The pandemic took its toll on everyone, especially in regards to mental health, and it comes as no surprise that many people are still feeling the effects. Due to this, a study has found that mental wellness employee benefits are in highest demand.
The study by Easy Offices, looked at areas of what employee benefits were commonly offered in the UK, the most popular since Covid, and those in highest demand- and the results clearly highlight that companies are FINALLY taking mental health seriously for employees at long last!
The most valuable benefits to employees are- Virtual mental health counselling (35% of people rating most valuable), Insurance to help reduce the cost of mental health treatment (34%), Virtual support groups (34%), Tools to help build mindfulness and resilience (34%), and tools for training on how to help others with mental health problems (32%).
Key Findings:
- 35% of employees rated virtual mental health counselling as one of the most valuable benefits
- 34% equally rated mental health insurance, support groups and mindfulness tools as most valuable benefits
- 76% of companies are now offering employee assistance programs since Covid
- 82% of employees offer paid bereavement leave
- 78% now offer training and career development
- There has been a 22% increase in companies offering physical fitness since the start of the pandemic.
76% of companies are offering employee assistance programs to employees since Covid
The study found that since Covid, 76% of companies are offering employee assistance programs, 74% offering paid sick leave, and 48% are offering financial support for those in isolation.
The noticeable rise in wellness benefits since Covid included:
| Benefit | % companies offering this benefit |
| Free drinks in the office | 79% |
| Employee assistance programmes | 76% |
| Paid sick leave | 74% |
| Free eye tests | 72% |
| Financial support for those in isolation | 48% |
The most popular financial benefits from the study were as followed:
| Benefit | % companies offering this benefit |
| Paying a voluntary living wage | 69% |
| Employer pension scheme (6% contribution) | 62% |
| Christmas bonus | 59% |
| Debt counselling | 57% |
| Financial scam education | 47% |
Increasing employee engagement with benefits
A recent YouGov poll reveals that only 57% of employees have been told about the benefit schemes at their work. Even fewer (53%) have been given information on how to access their benefits, and only half know how their benefits could help them.
This points to a crucial way for employers to improve employee engagement and create productive benefits schemes. Beyond just investing in attractive benefits packages, employers need to shout about them and inform their teams of everything on offer in their workplace too.
Please do let me know if you would like any more information, and you can read the full study here.
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