Staff want private healthcare
 

Over half of the UK workforce want private healthcare insurance at work as concerns around access to healthcare grows, with dental insurance topping the list, according to new research by Robert Half (www.roberthalf.co.uk).

Highlight the clear concerns from employees about NHS high waiting times and staff shortages, Robert Half’s latest 2024 Salary Guide (www.roberthalf.com/gb/en/insights/salary-guide) shows that worries about health have translated into growing demands for better healthcare benefits, with private dental insurance most sought-after (cited by 62% of workers).  This comes at a time when reports suggest a decline in access to NHS dentists has led to a rise in mouth cancer-related deaths.

Robert Half’s data shows a further 57% of staff are interested in Health and Outpatient Insurance, while more than a third (35%) would like mental health resources or Employee Assistance Programmes as workers struggle with burnout and other mental health issues.

“The NHS issues and subsequent concerns around access to healthcare treatment is clearly playing on the minds of the UK workforce.  Our latest data shows a growing trend in people turning to their employers to provide private dental and healthcare benefits.  Firms must be mindful of the perks and benefits that resonate with existing and future workers if they are to attract and retain the staff they need,” comments Steve Sully, Regional Director, Robert Half.

“We’ve seen a trend of pay increase demands over the last year due to a combination of the rising costs of living and worker shortages, but this isn’t a sustainable means of sourcing staff.  Employers are needing to be more creative about benefits packages to compete for top talent and, as the workforce is clearly showing, private healthcare, alongside mental health support, are a priority.”

In contrast to its European counterparts, demand for private healthcare in the UK is high with almost two-thirds of UK residents wanting dental insurance, compared to just 42% of those in Germany.  Additionally, 59% of UK workers say they would like access to hospitalisation insurance in 2024, compared to just 48% in France and 46% in Germany.