Charlotte O’Brien, Head of Employee Benefits at MetLife UK, comments: “The value of prevention tools in the workplace cannot be understated. That’s particularly true in an environment where more employees than ever are out of work due to ill-health – something that the Government’s Keep Britain Working Review predicts to increase if no decisive action is taken.
“Howden’s report shows encouraging numbers when it comes to businesses investing in preventative healthcare and the employees’ response. Our own research has shown that having preventative tools in place not only helps reduce absenteeism but also increases productivity, improves company culture and morale, and enhances employee engagement – all things that not only reflect positively on employers, but the wider economy too.
“Ultimately, long-term sickness can cause significant difficulties for businesses of any size. While we can’t prevent sickness and absence altogether, prevention services can help employees in feeling supported and cared for in the workplace. In turn, this can help businesses in keeping productivity levels up, reducing absenteeism, and lowering healthcare costs as an employer.”
Research from MetLife UK shows:
Employee short-term and long-term absences cannot be completely avoided, but for those businesses that recognise the need and offer preventative measures to support and help employees, they are reaping the benefits. Research among HR Directors and Senior Decision Makers of UK businesses shows that:
88% of businesses offer early intervention measures to employees
89% of businesses offer prevention measures to employees
87% of businesses offer rehabilitation measures to employees
In offering preventative measures when it comes to possible sickness absences among employees, results have shown benefits to business productivity, culture, employee engagement, and morale:
Increased productivity – 21%
Reduced absenteeism – 21%
Improved employee morale – 19%
Enhanced employee engagement – 14%
Improved company culture – 13%
Lower healthcare costs as an employer – 8%
