Beyond salary,
benefits are a big factor for attracting and retaining employees. Health
benefits can help employers compete for and retain top talent. Health coverage
also gives employees peace of mind they need to access healthcare
When
unemployment rates are low, hiring skilled workers is tough. So is hiring
entry-level workers. Based on data for the Seattle area in
2019,
demand in several fields is approaching the same levels as tech.
How
important are benefits in hiring?
A Glassdoor survey showed job
seekers looked for benefits in job ads. They cited attractive benefits and
perks as the top factor in their decision to apply for a role.
Some
perks, like endless snacks or fun outings, aren’t essential. They may actually
be a warning to job applicants of a burnout-inducing pace.
The
right health benefits show you care about employees’ wellbeing. They don’t want
to think you only care about their output or the number of hours they spend at
the office.
Jen
Jones, director of compensation and benefits for Premera Blue Cross, agrees.
“You can set yourself apart by creating a culture that values employees and
their health. You'll reap the benefits of a workforce that is loyal and
productive.”
Employers
seem to agree with job seekers about the importance of health-related benefits.
In a recent survey, 86 percent said health
benefits are important or extremely important to their workforce. Only 3
percent reported decreasing benefits, despite rising healthcare costs.
How can
the right health benefits help your employees?
Recruiting
and retaining employees aren’t the only reasons employers offer health
benefits. The right benefits support your employees’ health needs and don’t add
to their stress when it’s time to use them.
Need a business health plan?
Talk to our experts today about how to find the right solutions for your workforce.
Get a Free QuoteFinancial stress factors into productivity
and absenteeism. Health benefits can play a role by reducing out-of-pocket
costs for employees when they need care.
Even combining
medical and dental benefits can impact employees’ long-term health outlook. A Guardian Workplace
Benefits Study found routine dental care helps detect serious health issues
sooner. It’s linked to cardiovascular health and diabetes.
Early
detection helps reduce healthcare costs for employers and employees – a win-win.
That’s why studies find that combining dental and health coverage lowers total
costs of care.
Another
consideration is behavioral health care, including treatment for substance use
disorders and mental health issues. Behavioral health conditions are incredibly
common. Research from the Blue Cross Blue
Shield Association found major depression has the second greatest impact on
overall health nationwide, behind only high blood pressure.
There’s
always a need to make sure the cost of benefits is sustainable for your business.
Investing in the right health benefits can not only support your employees’
health and well-being. It also boosts their confidence to contribute to your
company for the long haul.