Tesco Ireland has launched a free virtual GP service for its 13,000 employees based in the country and has enhanced some of its existing wellbeing benefits.
Provided by Laya Healthcare, the service will allow the supermarket’s Irish staff across its retail, distribution, customer contact centre and head office teams to access online doctor appointments quickly and easily from their own homes, have a private prescription issued by the GP and sent to their chosen pharmacy, and additional discounted rates for their family members.
In addition, Tesco Ireland will also provide staff and same-household family members with additional wellbeing services through a relaunched 24/7, 365-day employee assistance programme. This includes a variety of services such as immediate support access to confidential telephone counselling and mental health support, a digital gym and nutrition hub, legal and financial assistance, cancer support, and life and parenting coaching.
Maurice Kelly, people director at Tesco Ireland, said: “Our staff have been telling us how big of a challenge access to GP and medical costs can be for them and their families, and we have listened. As part of our new wellbeing programme, we are delighted to be making this investment in further supporting our employees and their families with the day-to-day challenges that life brings.
“Helping our staff to take positive steps towards taking care of their mind, body and their lives is of utmost importance to Tesco as the health and wellbeing of our workers means a healthier and happier workplace for all. A key feature of these new measures we are announcing is not only are they free but more importantly these services are available to interact with 24/7, allowing workers to take more control of their wellbeing when they need to.”
Earlier this year, Tesco Ireland introduced enhancements to its Colleague Clubcard discount scheme, providing a total annual allowance of €1,500 (£1,287) and a monthly 15% discount event on top of the existing 10% discount on all purchases.