Employee Benefits poll: The most used benefit or support organisations offer to ill and injured employees is access to a virtual GP service (42%), according to a survey of Employee Benefits readers.
Just above one-third (37%) said they provide an occupational sick pay scheme to support ill and injured employees, while 5% offer occupational health, return-to-work or rehabilitation plans, employee assistance programmes or another benefit.
Last month, Employee Benefits reported that just 12% employers do not have support mechanisms in place for newly injured or ill employees because they either cannot afford it or they do not feel it is their responsibility.
Industry body Group Risk Development’s (Grid) study of 503 HR decision-makers working for UK organisations also found that despite 82% of employers offering one or more support mechanisms aimed at mitigating absence when a member of staff has an injury, new illness or disability, their utilisation is comparatively low.
Almost two-fifths (18%) offer access to a virtual GP, 15% provide access to an employee assistance programme and 13% offer physiotherapy support for employees.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Grid, said: “Helping staff understand support is available, and ensuring it is utilised during times of need including ill health, not only supports the individuals but also sends a message to the broader staff community who will see their colleagues benefitting.”