Investment in Health Benefits is on the Up

ANDOVER, England -

Despite the economic downturn, companies are more than doubling their spend on healthcare benefits, according to new research from Simplyhealth’s Bothered Britain Report 2009, which is released this month. The report investigates how attitudes, policy and behaviour have changed in the past year towards health-related issues, as well as looking at newer trends that are impacting on workplace health.

It appears the global Swine Flu pandemic, combined with the recession, has affected peoples’ attitudes towards health and wellbeing. This is evident by the revelation that 60% of HR professionals believe that health benefits packages have become more important in the last 12 months, with 40% stating that they are a key influence in recruitment and retention.

As a result, budgets for health and wellbeing have increased, with over a quarter (26%) of companies confirming they will be increasing the range of healthcare benefits that they offer in the next 12 months. A third also stated that they will spend more money on their healthcare provision - a figure which has more than doubled since 2008.

Commenting on the results, James Glover from Simplyhealth said: “It is great to see that companies are still bothered about the health and wellbeing of their employees in these turbulent times. Increasing pressure on businesses and employees has seen a rise in stress levels and combined with global health scares, employees are now taking health benefits seriously. This is why it is important for companies to really look at their employer and employee needs and address these with a comprehensive health benefits package that is cost effective and adds tangible value for the company.”

It seems HR professionals are keen to justify this increased spend, as the message was clear when it came to the type of health benefits they will be looking at. One in three HR professionals surveyed will be looking for benefits that have much more tangible results.

Simplyhealth believes that health is the most important thing of all so takes the time to bother about its clients and customers. The company has developed the widest range of corporate plans on the market, from health cash plans to private medical insurance and healthcare trusts. Simplyhealth also offers a range of daily living aids and mobility products. For further information on Simplyhealth, please bother us on 0800-294-7303 or log onto www.simplyhealth.co.uk.

Notes to Editors: - Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the last 8 years to form Simplyhealth. - At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for over 137 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety of Mobility and Living aids, Health Cash Plans, Dental Plans and Medical Insurance. - Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on our communities. Each year, we help health related charities and causes to the tune of at least GBP1million.

Source: Simplyhealth Group Ltd

For further editorial information, please bother us at: Mere PR: Ellie Watson, Gemma Chruszcz or Victoria Maltby, Tel: +44(0)161-929-8700, ellie at mere.co.uk / gemmac at mere.co.uk / victoria at mere.co.uk; Simplyhealth: Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Executive, +44(0)1264-342570, Rebecca Jeremy, Public Relations Assistant, +44(0)1264-342400 or pr at simplyhealth.co.uk