From prescription drug services to preventative care, what goes into your employees’ benefits package can make a world of difference. In this article, we explore the key benefits that employees in the GCC region look for in their corporate healthcare plan.
For many organizations, the provision of corporate healthcare is more than a mandatory obligation - it can also be a vital tool in talent acquisition, retention, and even productivity. However, when it comes to reviewing your existing healthcare plan, how can you be sure that your provisions align with the needs of both your existing and prospective employees?
Why does incorporating added value into your healthcare plan matter?
Now more than ever, going above and beyond to provide more than the statutory minimum benefits can make a real difference to a company’s success.
In recent years, more than a third of employees in the UAE and KSA have expressed dissatisfaction with their current employee benefits packages. In fact, 78% of workers in KSA are reportedly considering a job change, whilst one in four workers in the UAE did make the switch between 2022 and 2023.
However, in contrast, 59% of employees with access to a wide range of health benefits say that this additional coverage makes them less likely to change jobs.
So, when it comes to reassessing your corporate healthcare plan, which are the most important benefits to include?
Preventative care
For employees, a good healthcare package doesn’t just treat illness - it also prevents it.
Today, our understanding of how our lifestyle choices can impact our chances of developing chronic diseases - such as diabetes and cancer - is stronger than ever. And that means more people are making more conscious lifestyle choices to prevent and mitigate future health risks, from eating nutritionally rich foods to adopting a varied exercise routine.
Globally, preventative care is cited as an important element of a healthcare plan for many employees. So, while primary benefits such as medical and dental insurance still form the core of an attractive healthcare plan, employers who also incorporate preventative care into their plans can gain a real competitive advantage when looking to recruit and retain top talent.
For example, a plan with GulfCare can incorporate nutrition and fitness plans to help your employees form long-term health habits and prevent a range of illnesses in the long term.
Mental care
When it comes to safeguarding holistic employee well-being, the importance of incorporating mental health care into your corporate plan cannot be overlooked.
One in two employees believe that investing in mental health is important. From providing complimentary, confidential mental health consultations, to building out a comprehensive workplace wellness program, today people value employers who provide the tools to support mental well-being.
GulfCare’s corporate healthcare plans have the option to incorporate an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing 24/7 professional support to your employees and their dependents. From workplace challenges to anxiety, they can speak to trained and licensed multilingual experts remotely, whenever they need additional support.
Tele-health
During the COVID-19 pandemic, tele-health services became an essential way for doctors to communicate with their patients. And even today, four out of five employees plan to carry on using tele-health services thanks to their ease and convenience. Rather than having to commute to a doctor’s office, tele-health services mean that patients can simply connect with a medical professional over a video call.
One of the key advantages of tele-health is its additional app-based services. From healthcare support to self-managing conditions, tele-health can be a more time and cost-effective way for your employees to seek outpatient care.
GulfCare provides access to tele-health services in partnership with TruDoc, delivering consultations with licensed medical practitioners and specialist doctors from anywhere, at any time. Via the TruDoc app, your employees can gain access to a range of services without the need to attend a physical consultation.
Access to prescriptions
According to a US study, more than half of employees (51%) identify prescription drug coverage as one of the most valued components of their healthcare plan.
For employees living with a chronic health condition, or those who are recovering from an illness, instant and convenient access to prescription drugs can make a real difference to day-to-day well-being.
GulfCare makes access to prescription drugs simple and straightforward with our Chronic Medication Scheme (CMS), enabling employees to get their regular medication dispensed and sent directly to their door without the need for a repeat consultation.
One size doesn’t fit all
When it comes to updating an existing healthcare plan, another key consideration is the way in which the workplace itself is evolving.
Across the GCC, millennials and Gen Z workers now comprise the majority of workers. This means that rigid healthcare plans, which were originally designed with older generations in mind, may no longer resonate with the needs of the next-gen workforce.
Employers who can provide more relevant, tailored healthcare packages have the opportunity to make their employees feel more seen, heard, and valued. This can boost both recruitment and long-term retention, whilst ensuring that your employees are seeking the help they need and making the most of their plan.
GulfCare is proud to provide bespoke plans for each of its partners, to meet the unique needs of their employees. No matter the size or scale of your company, or the plan that you require, we can work with you to make the right choice for your business.
To learn more about how GulfCare can deliver enhanced corporate healthcare plans which are tailored to your business needs, contact us today.
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