The changing office environment.
During the past few years, people have started to think about the concept of their workspace in a different way. At the start of 2020, when most of us were forced to work from home, we found ourselves in a brand-new situation in an all-too-familiar space. This had its challenges but also lots of positives too and many people found a renewed work-life balance, often due to no longer having to commute. Now that the UK has opened up again, many people are seeing the benefits of flexible working and employers offering the chance to work from anywhere. But this has also brought into question what insurances are needed by a business with employees working from home and what health insurance should be offered.
Remote Working
According to a report completed by the Office for National Statistics, 85% of people would like to see a hybrid approach to working from home in their workplace. Despite difficulties identified in collaborating with colleagues, there are definite benefits in their work-life balance, with more flexibility at work helping to reduce stress and burn-out in the workplace. A happier workforce is not the only benefit to employers. Something that benefits both employers and employees is that the commute to work is no longer a huge factor in the job search.
We are quickly finding more and more companies are offering completely remote positions, meaning they can be filled from people all over the country. In turn, more and more people are searching for remote positions when looking for a new job. This could mean that a company based in Kent can hire an employee from Cornwall, Gloucestershire, or even Yorkshire, so long as they don’t expect to meet face-to-face on a regular basis.
With members of a team scattered around the country, employee benefits have had to develop with the times. On-site gyms, exercise facilities or game rooms are no longer a viable way to attract employees. Positions offering flexibility, both in timings and location, are certain to be more attractive as our priorities as a nation change. However, health insurance for remote workers is still considered one of the most important employee benefits, according to a survey done in 2019 by Employee Benefits.
Medical benefits & insurance for Remote Workers
Health insurance for remote workers is just as important as health insurance benefits for employees who are office-based. Injuries or health conditions due to long hours of sitting at desks can develop in an office as well as in a home-office. The pressure facing our NHS is still mounting, meaning that even minor incidents could go unseen or unchecked for too long. Health worries can occur at any time and, with the continued lack of face-to-face contact, mental health is more of a concern than ever.
With Equipsme, we offer an additional Stress Support Service, meaning that your employees have access to face-to-face counselling, phone support, and much more.
It is in the best interest of employers to ensure that all employees have access to quality medical care and support to ensure a healthy workforce. The morale and engagement of a team and workplace, even virtual, will be hugely more positive if employees feel their employer cares about their wellbeing. Additionally, because medical care for employees is such a popular employee benefit, supplying a quality plan will act as an excellent recruitment and retention tool for your business. This is why a medical insurance plan for remote workers is vital for companies to provide when offering remote working opportunities.
Here at Equipsme, we understand the structure and requirements of the modern workplace. Our flexible and affordable plans are supported and delivered by some of the largest and most well-respected organisations in the UK. Browse our range of business health insurance plans today and say hi to hassle-free healthcare.
