Employees have evolved: has your healthcare strategy?

Mike Hay at Benenden Health offers practical guidance for businesses on adapting and evolving their healthcare strategies in line with changing employee needs and business objectives

 

Prioritising employee wellbeing in today’s workplace is no longer optional. With work-related stress, burnout and health concerns on the rise, businesses must recognise that a healthy, supported workforce is critical to productivity, engagement, and retention.

 

Yet, recent insights from Gallup paint a concerning picture: employee perceptions of their employer’s commitment to wellbeing are declining, suggesting a growing gap between expectations and reality.

 

This disconnect makes it clear that businesses must regularly review and adjust their healthcare strategies. With employee needs and industry trends constantly evolving, staying flexible and proactive is key to providing meaningful support. 

 

 

Why is alignment important? 

Employee feedback plays a crucial role in shaping effective employee-centric healthcare strategies by providing insights into what benefits and support matter most to the workforce.

 

Employers must balance this internal feedback with external healthcare trends and regulatory changes to create well-rounded strategies. Promoting a culture of open communication and continuous improvement means organisations can ensure their healthcare offerings remain relevant, responsive, and beneficial to a multigenerational workforce.

 

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift towards prioritising employee wellbeing, mental health, and work-life balance. This shift has been partly driven by the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a change in employee priorities, and has accelerated the need for flexible work arrangements and comprehensive health support, particularly in wellbeing services provided by employers.

 

How often to review healthcare strategies

Employers should review healthcare strategies regularly to maintain their relevance and effectiveness in meeting employee needs. Conducting annual reviews is considered an industry best practice to ensure employers meet employee needs. 

 

Infrequent reviews, such as those conducted every two to three years, pose risks such as misalignment with evolving healthcare trends, shifting workforce priorities, and regulatory changes. This misalignment can result in outdated or ineffective healthcare offerings, decreasing engagement and impacting employee retention. 

 

Employers should take a proactive approach to their healthcare strategies by implementing regular assessments and employee feedback. These frequent reviews enable organisations to make timely improvements and continue providing meaningful support. 

 

 

Steps to evolve healthcare strategies 

To make sure their healthcare offerings remain effective, compliant, and competitive, employers must:

 

1. Conduct regular employee surveys and feedback sessions. These simple actions provide valuable insights into the evolving needs and preferences of the workforce, allowing employers to tailor their healthcare offerings accordingly. By actively seeking and incorporating employee input, companies can create strategies that truly resonate with their staff and improve employee retention.

 

2. Stay informed about innovations and regulatory changes. This ongoing education for business leaders ensures that benefits remain relevant and compliant with current laws and industry standards. By keeping abreast of the latest developments in healthcare, employers can offer solutions that address emerging health concerns and work-life balance.

 

3. Offer adaptive benefits. Continuing pressure on the NHS means employees are looking for private plans that fill the gap, such as GP on-demand services and private medical diagnostic services. These innovative offerings will complement state healthcare demands and provide more comprehensive coverage for employees.

 

4. Tailor strategies to meet diverse needs. Different age groups may have varying healthcare priorities and preferences, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not be practical. By considering the unique needs of each generation, employers can create healthcare strategies that resonate with all employees, regardless of their age or life stage. 

 

By implementing these steps, employers can evolve their healthcare strategies to better serve their workforce, ultimately leading to improved employee retention, satisfaction, wellbeing, and productivity.

 

 

Remain hands-on and agile

Employee healthcare evolves constantly, driven by changing workforce demographics, emerging health trends, and shifting employee expectations. As such, employers must adopt a proactive and adaptive approach to their healthcare strategies to remain effective and competitive. 

 

Regularly reviewing and refining healthcare offerings not only helps attract and retain talent but also reinforces a company’s commitment to employee wellbeing—a key driver of job satisfaction and engagement. Gallup’s research reveals the impact:  

• 81% reduction in absenteeism
• 18% increase in productivity
• 23% rise in profitability  

Embracing a continuous improvement approach to healthcare policies allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve. By doing so, employers can create a healthier, more engaged workforce that is better equipped to face the challenges of modern work life.

 

Investing in a responsive healthcare strategy isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about building a thriving, engaged workforce. When employees feel supported, businesses see real results: higher productivity, stronger loyalty, and greater resilience in a changing world.

 

The workplace will continue to evolve, and the organisations that prioritise employee wellbeing won’t just keep up: they’ll lead the way. Now is the time to act and create a healthcare strategy that truly makes a difference. 

 

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Mike Hay is Chief People Officer at Benenden Health

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and FG Trade