Editor's message: Health benefits are a common feature of benefits packages, and range from life assurance and private medical insurance through to benefits designed to help employees stay well, such as subsidised gym membership and health screening.
The provision of health benefits often forms part of an organisation's absence management programme. A comprehensive range of health benefits can help both to prevent employees taking time off sick, and, where time off is necessary, to reduce this time through fast access to healthcare treatment. This can therefore reduce the often significant cost of sickness absence to the organisation. A strong health benefit offering can also help to demonstrate the organisation's commitment to its people and their wellbeing, thereby aiding recruitment and retention.
HR and legal information and guidance relating to health benefits.