Legal & General has enhanced its group protection and wellbeing app, Spark, with the addition of a clinically governed digital mental health pathway.
The new feature is available to all employees of group protection clients, regardless of whether they are individually insured, as well as their immediate families.
The pathway was developed in partnership with Spectrum.Life, provides access to evidence-based mental health support, covering both everyday challenges and more complex conditions.
According to L&G, it was designed to complement the existing Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and offer an alternative to the traditional telephone-first model by enabling online access to support.
It is available via the Spark app, the service combines self-guided tools, preventative support and access to professional counselling within a single platform.
Additionally, users can complete an initial questionnaire, book consultations with accredited counsellors and receive guidance on next steps. The 24/7 EAP helpline is still available for those who prefer to speak directly with a clinician.
The launch follows research showing that 20 per cent of UK employees took time off work last year due to stress-related mental health issues, rising to 39 per cent among those aged 18 to 24. Meanwhile, 23 per cent of people aged 18 to 34 do not answer phone calls with many preferring to communicate via social media or voice messages.
Spectrum.Life CEO Stephen Costello says: “Our analysis of L&G’s client-facing EAP usage reveals a 25% increase in anxiety presentation in 2025, in comparison to 2024. This aligns with national reports of rising stress, burnout, and anxiety among employees. Immediate access to mental health support, via a choice of pathways to suit individual needs and preferences is crucial. What’s more, it’s highly scalable across hybrid and remote workforces, ensuring inclusion and engagement; essential for employer’s preventative goals.”
L&G claims & clinical development director – group protection Vanessa Sallows: “Choice and personalisation are key to prevention and early intervention. And, in turn, prevention and early intervention are vital to better outcomes for people and business. Our digital-first experience gives individuals an additional doorway to support, removing any perceived barriers, so that employees and their immediate families get the help they need, when they need it.”
