Many employees are not using their workplace health benefits due to barriers to accessing them, with a third of British workers not using them at all, while over half have experienced barriers to accessing them, according to Simplyhealth.
According to the research, 16 per cent of employees said they had to ask their line manager for information or approval beforehand, while more than one in ten needed pre-authorisation from their manager or insurer to use their health benefit.
Around 13 per cent found the process too complicated, while 9 per cent said their pre-existing conditions were not included in the cover.
It also found that there is clear demand for health benefits to be simpler, with over a third or 37 per cent of employees saying this would make them most likely to use the benefits. This is followed by quick access to health services (36 per cent), and cover for pre-existing conditions (22 per cent).
Around 20 per cent of employees said they would be more likely to use their health benefits if they knew their claims would be paid quickly and 19 per cent said they would if it meant they didn’t have to take time off work for appointments.
The findings come amid record NHS waiting times and growing pressure on employers to support workforce wellbeing. Nearly three-quarters, 73 per cent, of employers say they feel responsible for staff health, yet 86 per cent face hurdles implementing effective plans, especially around covering pre-existing conditions.
The benefits of simple, accessible workplace health benefits are also clear with 60 per cent of employees saying they improve happiness, 48 per cent cite them as a key retention factor, and among those without benefits, over half believe having them would increase productivity and reduce sick days.
Simplyhealth CEO Paul Schreier says: “Employers recognise the huge responsibility they have to support the health of their people and the value it creates in terms of reducing long-term sickness and boosting productivity. Workplace health benefits are a big part of these efforts, but too often traditional offers are complex and difficult to access.
“The government’s 10-Year Plan for the NHS has put prevention at heart of ambitions for the health service, and businesses are very well placed to further those objectives –promoting preventative healthcare that improves productivity while easing pressure on the NHS.
“Simplifying health benefits is one of the first steps businesses can take. It’s why at Simplyhealth we’ve focused on developing a range of affordable healthcare services, including 24/7 GP access, mental health support, health cash plans and pay-as-you-go services. These aim to simplify access, reduce costs and boost uptake, with no GP referral or pre-approval required and the majority of plans covering pre-existing conditions.”