Benefit Support Trends For 2021

The pandemic has brought many challenges that have forced us to adapt and alter almost every aspect of our lives. Employers have the additional task of ensuring that their employees are happy, healthy, and productive and that they stay that way.  Here are a few of the trends that we expect to continue throughout 2021 and beyond.

PREVENTIVE BENEFITS. You’ve heard the saying “It’s better to be proactive than reactive”.  Employers that offer preventive benefits ensure their employees have the tools they need to be healthy and stay healthy. Preventive benefits can come in various forms.

• Ensuring that your employee’s workstation (at home or at work) is ergonomically appropriate
• Offering  your  employees a health spending account (HSA) or wellness spending account (WSA)
• Offering incentives for staying active through a company-wide virtual fitness/wellness challenge
• Remind employees of support through your benefits program. Many programs offer access to counselling and wellness though an EAP
• Ask employees how they are doing? Seems simple…

EMBRACING WORKING REMOTELY – The pandemic has forced a good majority of us to work from home at least part of the time.  Many employees are optimistic their employers will continue to maintain some form of flexible work arrangement post pandemic. The reduced commute time allows employees to spend more time with family and reduces transportation costs. It also allows for some flexibility when scheduling personal appointments. Provided employees are able to work efficiently from home, it’s an easy way to retain happy employees. If you want some support with communicating a remote work strategy with your team, please ask us.

VIRTUAL HEALTH OPTIONS – Another trend that seems to be here to stay is virtual care. Virtual care connects users with professionals for a variety of services such as family doctors, counselling, nurses, or chiropractors to name a few. Users connect with the health providers via their smart phone, tablet, or laptop in the comfort of their home and many are free of charge. Several extended benefit providers have an embedded virtual care offering already, these services are also available from various third party providers depending on province of residence.  Virtual Health options is a perfect way for employers and employees to initiate a proactive approach to mental and physical health.

If you have any questions about any of the above, please contact one of our group benefits specialists.