As an employer, you understand the importance of prioritizing your employees’ wellbeing and creating a culture of health at work. That means providing a work environment that not only encourages employees to make healthy choices, but also actively supports them at all points along their journey. And, it’s not just about physical health, it also means your employees feel good mentally, emotionally and socially.
Your healthy employees are not only more productive but also more engaged and loyal. They are less likely to miss work, will spend less on healthcare and will be happier overall. Insurance plays a key role in maintaining your employees’ health. Here are 5 ways insurance can help create a healthier workplace.
Creating a Healthier Workplace
Comprehensive Coverage
An excellent benefits package is at the heart of any wellbeing program. It means your employees can get the medical, dental and vision care they need without having to worry about high costs. In fact, about 60% of workers say benefits and job perks are a major factor in their decision to accept a job offer.
Access to Preventive Services
Regular dental visits, vision exams, medical check-ups and vaccinations are the most effective way to keep your employees healthy. Most insurance plans cover these services for free or at a reduced fee, so there is less out-of-pocket cost. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure when it comes to health. Catching problems while they are small and easier to treat, or preventing them entirely with early intervention measures, will improve the quality of life for employees and their families.
Mental Health Support
Feeling good mentally is just as important as being healthy physically because the two so often correlate. Insurance that covers mental health services like counseling and therapy gives your employees the support they need. You can also help destigmatize the act of seeking help by communicating to employees about your EAP or related benefits. So many people will struggle with stress, loneliness, depression or other mental health issues in their lives. Having access to mental health support can make a world of difference.
Wellness Programs and Incentives
Many insurance companies have wellness programs that help you live a healthier life. These programs could include things like gym memberships, Healthy Smiles at Work™ webinars and more. Some insurance companies even give money or rewards to people who join these programs. Wellness programs are a great opportunity to get creative about how you engage employees. Think beyond weight loss to whole-body health that embraces social, emotional, financial and other facets of healthy living.
Telehealth Services
Since the pandemic, many providers realized the advantages of offering telehealth visits. Insurance plans with telehealth let your employees see dentists and doctors from home, which is often safer and more convenient. This makes it easier for employees to get help quickly.
Best Practices for a Healthier Workplace
To effectively build a culture of health, you can leverage insurance in several ways:
- Educate Employees: Make sure your employees understand what “covered by insurance” really means and how to maximize their benefits. Hold regular info sessions and provide simple guides and resources, like those provided in the LifeSmile® Oral Wellness Program, to help them understand their benefits and use them more.
- Promote Preventive Care: Encourage your employees to use preventive services covered by their insurance. Stress how important it is to get regular dental visits, eye exams, medical check-ups and vaccinations.
- Incorporate Wellness Programs: Work with your insurance companies to offer full wellness programs. Share information about these programs with your employees and give rewards for taking part.
- Focus on Mental Health: Make it normal to talk about mental health and let employees know about the mental health help they can get through insurance. A supportive environment can make people feel more comfortable asking for help.
- Leverage Technology: Encourage employees to use telehealth services for easy and quick access to healthcare. Point out how helpful and simple these services are to use.
Insurance is your partner in creating a healthier workplace. Include health considerations that support employees on their journey by leveraging insurance, and you will see a more engaged, productive and thriving workplace.
