Suffolk‑based Fire Security (Sprinkler Installations) bought Equipsme plans for its entire 22‑strong workforce as part of a new initiative to focus on looking after the health and wellbeing of its staff.
Fire Security have a mixture of admin staff, designers and engineers who are often on site working in high pressure environments.
For £21.50 per person per month, Fire Security staff have access to a health insurance plan that provides 24/7 GP access via phone or video, access to physios, specialist diagnosis and a stress support service. Stress support provides a confidential helpline 24/7, counselling by phone and up to 5 face‑to‑face sessions if needed. Staff also receive a confidential home health check for Vitamin D deficiency, supplied by Equipsme’s health technology partner Thriva.
Fire Security have seen many improvements since having the plan in place. Sickness absence rates reduced by 50% in the first half of 2019 and when a rival firm contacted their staff, they were able to retain 95% of those that had been approached. They have also been working with Suffolk Mind to support the mental wellbeing of their staff and a recent assessment showed improvements in many areas of emotional wellbeing.
Richard Pipe, Director and Co‑owner said “We have always found employee healthcare schemes to be expensive and complicated. Equipsme is a complete contrast to the traditional model and is a straightforward solution with competitive prices. The on‑boarding process was extremely easy, and our staff appreciate the benefits. The stress support bolt‑on was of particular appeal to us. Also, the fact that levels of cover can be easily varied means employee loyalty can be rewarded.”
