The COVID-19 pandemic has left the UK in a cost-of-living crisis, which has impacted individuals and businesses alike. The industrial sector, in particular, has been affected by this crisis, with absenteeism rates being higher than ever before. Physical health issues such as noise, heat, vibration, and radiation have caused a considerable portion of the absences. However, the industrial sector has also reported a higher risk of diseases among construction workers. With the current economic state, employers cannot afford this high level of absenteeism, but what can be done to support employees in the industrial sector?
The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups
Regular health check-ups are crucial for identifying the early stages of diseases, allowing treatment to be issued early on and potentially preventing severe issues that require longer periods of time off work. However, often, what comes with looking after our health is long wait times, costly check-ups, and the hassle of picking up and paying for prescriptions. These issues can discourage employees from seeking regular health check-ups. Physiotherapy appointments are just as important, specifically with 71% of construction workers suffering from aches and pains, and a huge 89% taking time off work due to injury.
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is also a significant concern for the industry, with one-third of workers suffering from elevated levels of anxiety, while 48% have taken time off work due to unmanageable stress. Several factors contribute to these statistics, including industrial workers working away from home a lot, heavy workloads, long hours, and job security.
Ways Employers Can Support Their Staff
Employers in the industrial sector can take several steps to support their staff during this financial hardship. Even if boosting salaries may not be feasible, there are other ways to provide the help that employees need.
Offer an All-in-One Solution
A health cash plan could be the solution that your business needs to support your staff. These plans offer money-back for everyday healthcare costs to help employees' bank accounts stretch that little bit further. While plans differ from provider to provider, a good health cash plan will include access to a range of healthcare services, including GPs, dentists, opticians, physios, and counselling. Having easy access to such services encourages employees to put their health first, being able to make those appointments knowing the cost is covered.
Different Options to Choose From
There are a number of options to choose from to ensure you find the plan best suited to your business. Whether you want an employee-paid solution where there is absolutely no cost to the company, a standard package with little cost to the company, or a completely bespoke solution that allows you to choose the benefits best fit for your staff. Not to mention, they're often readily available for you to implement into your business right away.
The last year has been challenging for many, but offering support to your workforce will make them feel valued and looked after. Employers in the industrial sector can take steps to support their staff during this financial hardship by offering all-in-one solutions such as health cash plans. These plans offer money-back for everyday healthcare costs to help employees' bank accounts stretch that little bit further. Employers can choose from different options to find the plan best suited to their business. Supporting employees is crucial for the success of any business, and the industrial sector is no exception.
If you’re looking to find out more about how a Health Cash Plan can help build a stronger workforce, download our infographic today.
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