Employee health benefits: what UK employers should consider

Employee expectations are changing. While salary and traditional workplace benefits remain important, many people now look for support that helps them take care of their health and wellbeing.

For employers, this means thinking beyond the standard benefits package. Supporting employee health is not simply about offering another workplace perk. It is about giving people the knowledge, confidence and support they need to understand their health and make informed choices.

This is where health intelligence can make a difference. By helping employees understand what is happening inside their bodies, organisations can support their teams in taking a more proactive approach to their health.

Why are employee health benefits important?

Health plays an important role in how people experience everyday life, including work. When employees have access to reliable health information and support, they are better placed to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Workplace health is becoming an increasingly important consideration for both employees and employers. The CIPD’s Good Work Index found that around one in four UK workers feel their job has a negative impact on their mental or physical health, highlighting the importance of creating workplaces that support overall wellbeing.

Many health concerns can develop gradually without obvious symptoms. Without regular insight into their health, people may not always recognise areas that could benefit from attention.

Employee health benefits that focus on prevention can help people understand their current health and take action where needed. This not only supports individuals but can also help employers build a workplace culture where health is valued.

The benefits of a proactive approach to employee health

A proactive approach to workplace health focuses on helping employees understand their health before concerns become more difficult to manage.

Health assessments can provide employees with valuable insights into key areas of their health, helping them understand where their health is good and where they may need to make changes.

For employers, this approach can also provide a clearer picture of workforce health trends. Organisational health insights can help businesses understand where support may be needed and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing strategies.

The need for effective workplace health support is clear. According to the CIPD’s Health and wellbeing at work report, average employee absence has risen to 9.4 days per employee per year, the highest level recorded in over 15 years.

While absence can be influenced by many factors, supporting employees with accessible health information and preventative support can be an important part of creating healthier, more resilient teams.

What makes an effective employee health benefit?

The most valuable health benefits are those that are accessible, relevant and designed around the needs of employees.

A successful benefit should provide more than information alone. It should give employees clear, useful insights that help them understand their health and identify practical steps they can take.

When considering employee health benefits, employers should look for services that offer:

Easy access

A health benefit can only have an impact if employees can use it. Convenient locations, flexible appointment times and simple access help remove barriers and make it easier for more people to take part.

Benefits that fit around different working patterns and lifestyles are more likely to support wider engagement across the workforce.

Personalised insights

Every employee is different. Health needs, lifestyles and goals vary from person to person, so a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to provide the same value.

Personalised health insights help employees understand their own health and focus on the areas that matter most to them.

Clear, trusted information

Health information can sometimes feel complicated. Employees need more than test results. They need clear explanations that help them understand what their results mean and what action they can take.

Turning health data into useful insights gives people the confidence to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.

Ongoing support

Health is not something that should only be considered when a concern arises. Benefits that encourage employees to stay engaged with their health over time can help support long-term wellbeing.

Which employee health benefits should employers consider?

Every organisation will have different priorities, but some health benefits can provide meaningful support across a wide range of workplaces.

Health assessments

Health assessments give employees a clearer picture of their current health by looking at important health indicators and providing personalised insights.

Rather than simply providing a set of results, an effective health assessment helps employees understand what those results mean. This allows them to recognise where their health is good and where they may benefit from making positive changes.

For employers, aggregated organisational health insights can provide a better understanding of workforce health trends. These insights can help organisations identify areas where additional support may be valuable and shape more informed wellbeing strategies.

Preventative health support

Preventative health support helps employees take a proactive approach to their wellbeing.

By giving people access to reliable health information, employers can encourage their teams to understand their health, make informed choices and take action where needed.

This approach helps put employees in control of their health, giving them the confidence to make decisions that support their future wellbeing.

Mental health support

Mental wellbeing is an important part of overall health. Employers should consider a range of support options that help employees feel valued, supported and confident in accessing help when they need it.

An in-depth approach to workplace health recognises that physical and mental health are closely connected.

Flexible wellbeing benefits

Employees have different lifestyles, working patterns and health goals. Benefits that are easy to access and fit around everyday commitments are more likely to make a lasting difference.

Whether employees work remotely, across multiple locations or in different roles, accessible health support helps ensure more people can benefit.

How can employers choose the right health benefits?

Choosing the right employee health benefits starts with understanding the needs of your workforce.

Health and wellbeing is becoming a greater priority for organisations. CIPD research shows that 74% of employers say health and wellbeing is on senior leaders’ agendas.

When choosing benefits, employers should consider:

Accessibility

Can employees easily use the benefit, regardless of their location, working pattern or schedule?

Relevance

Does it provide meaningful health information and support that employees can use?

Trust

Is the service backed by clinical expertise, reliable information and accurate health insights?

Long-term value

Does it encourage employees to stay engaged with their health over time?

The most effective health benefits are those that feel like a genuine investment in people. They should provide employees with valuable support while helping organisations create a healthier workplace culture.

Supporting healthier, more informed teams

Workplace health assessments can provide valuable benefits for both employees and employers. They help employees better understand their health, support informed lifestyle choices and provide organisations with valuable health insights to understand the needs of their workforce.

As organisations continue to prioritise employee wellbeing, health assessments are becoming an increasingly important part of creating healthier, more supported and more resilient workplaces.

By giving people access to trusted health information and personalised insights, employers can help their teams feel more confident about their health, both at work and beyond.

To learn more about how Bluecrest Wellness can support your organisation, contact us today or download our brochure.