6 ways to use benefits to prioritise the wellbeing of remote workers
The increased adoption of remote working has transformed the traditional office and organisational structure, giving employees the flexibility and autonomy to manage their workload and work-life balance.
However, this change has presented its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to supporting the health and wellbeing of remote employees.
Here are six ways in which organisations can prioritise the physical and mental health of their remote workforce through healthcare benefits.
1. Comprehensive healthcare
One fundamental way to support remote employees is by providing them with comprehensive healthcare cover. This includes healthcare plans that cover a range of medical expenses, ensuring remote employees have easy access to the care they need to support their health and wellbeing.
Healthcare providers should be able to offer customised plans that include cover for a range of employee needs, including GP visits, mental health support and physiotherapy. With so many options available, it is advisable for employers to collaborate with their healthcare provider to tailor a plan that meets the diverse needs of a remote workforce.
2. Mental health support
Working remotely can lead to employees feeling isolated and stressed. In an effort to support employees through this, organisations should include mental health support as a crucial component of their benefits.
Digital therapy sessions, counselling services, or access to mental health apps can have a significant impact on the overall wellbeing of remote employees. Mental health struggles can have a direct impact on physical health, which should always be considered when structuring a healthcare offering for employees.
Providing continued support for employees through company communication is another vital way in which support networks can be established internally. Providing access to virtual support groups and employee assistance programmes can help to foster a sense of community and encourage employees to connect with each other on health-related matters.
3. Wellness programmes and resources
Implementing wellness programmes and providing additional resources is a proactive approach to providing support for remote employees. These programmes can include virtual fitness classes, mindfulness and mental wellbeing assistance, and nutritional support.
By providing resources that promote healthy living, organisations are able to demonstrate that they value the health and wellbeing of their staff and encourage employees to put the same value on maintaining their health.
4. Home office support
While fully remote organisations have no need for office space, they still have a duty of care to their staff and need to support them in creating home working environments for continued mental and physical health.
Ensuring employees have access to equipment such as ergonomic chairs, standing desks, and proper lighting plays a vital role and helps to prevent musculoskeletal issues and improves overall comfort, enhancing both productivity and wellbeing.
5. Prioritise health screenings and preventative care
Prioritising preventative care is vital in preventing larger issues developing. Adopting a proactive approach that includes easy access to health screenings, vaccinations and regular check ups creates a supportive culture for employee health and wellness. This helps with the early detection of possible issues before they turn into chronic conditions.
6. Support work life balance
Balancing work and personal life is crucial for the overall health of remote employees. Offering flexible working hours and paid time-off as part of healthcare benefits allows employees to manage their workload while prioritising self-care. This flexibility can be especially beneficial for those dealing with family responsibilities or personal health challenges.
Prioritising the health and wellbeing of remote employees through healthcare benefits is not only a strategic business decision but also demonstrates a company’s commitment to its workforce.
By offering comprehensive healthcare cover, mental health support, wellness programmes, ergonomic assistance, preventive care, flexible work arrangements, and communication channels, organisations can create an environment where remote employees feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive both personally and professionally.
For more insights into how healthcare benefits can help to support remote employees and businesses, visit Healix.com. We can help companies to create bespoke, tailored benefits packages that truly work for the needs of their employees.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Healix Health
Healix Health provides flexible, bespoke healthcare solutions as an alternative to traditional private medical cover.
