18 September 2026

Simplyhealth report: The Access Gap Report 2026

As a multi-generational workforce brings increasingly diverse health needs, shifting work patterns, and complex life stages into the workplace, supporting employee wellbeing now requires a fresh, flexible approach to care.

The Simplyhealth Access Gap Report 2026 highlights a critical disconnect between standard employer health benefits and the evolving needs of a multi-generational workforce.

Driven by restrictive schedules, heavy workloads, and long NHS wait times, over half of UK employees (52%) have delayed seeking medical care in the past year.

Barriers disproportionately impact specific life stages. Returning mothers, adult and dual carers, employees navigating separation, those experiencing menopause, and workers approaching retirement all encounter distinct access hurdles.

Furthermore, health and wellbeing investments currently yield an average return of 1.9x for businesses. By adopting flexible GP access, out-of-hours appointments, targeted life-stage support, and empathetic manager training, employers can drive productivity, reduce stress, and improve employee retention.

The report also highlights:

While almost two thirds (65%) of employers recognise that traditional, standardised benefits are no longer effective, a significant perception gap remains
The majority (90%) of employers view their health offerings as flexible, yet just over half (52%) of workers state they desperately need more adaptable care options
Two-thirds of employees (65.7%) report they would be more productive with faster healthcare access, a shift that could unlock £2.5 billion in annual economic output.

Download the full report for more insights.