In a tight labour market, benefits that improve access to healthcare without breaking the budget are increasingly attractive to employees and employers alike. With digital health providers like Livi, affordable options are now within reach even for smaller businesses. In fact, some plans cost no more than a monthly Apple TV subscription, making online GP appointments a realistic and cost-effective way to support your team’s wellbeing.
Awareness around preventative health is growing, with more people eager to take proactive control of their wellbeing. Employees are increasingly looking to their workplaces for support in achieving this goal.
Compounding this, the UK’s employee benefits landscape is also rapidly evolving, shaped by new legislation, economic pressures, and shifting employee expectations. With increased costs driven by National Insurance changes and minimum wage rises, many employers are reassessing their benefits strategies. Packages that deliver clear value and employee engagement are being prioritised, while lower-impact or underused perks may be scaled back.
Health matters
A survey by Zest puts benefits such as private medical insurance; a wellbeing allowance to spend on what you choose; and paid mental health leave, all in employees top five choices. Demand is especially strong among older workers, with 39 percent of those aged 55 and above highlighting it as a key benefit. With NHS waiting lists nearing 8 million, perhaps this is not surprising.
Despite ongoing financial challenges, 85 percent of employers are planning to boost their employee benefits offerings in 2025 according to Employee Benefits magazine. A survey conducted in March last year, found that 54 percent of respondents rated access to GP services as a valuable or very valuable health benefit.
The 8am rush
Too many employees continue to work while unwell, with over half avoiding GP appointments, according to the same survey. Common reasons include not wanting to let their team down, feeling pressured to stay at work, or hesitating to burden the NHS. These findings underscore the growing importance employees place on convenient and prompt GP access, reflecting concerns over NHS waiting times and the appeal of employer-provided healthcare benefits.
Employee access programs can be a game-changer for employees looking to avoid the stress and time constraints of early-morning GP appointments. These programs often provide employees with convenient access to virtual video consultations, flexible appointment times, and even secondary care options, allowing them to get the medical attention they need without taking time out of their busy schedules.
By offering access to healthcare services outside of traditional office hours, companies can help their employees manage their health proactively, reducing the need for rushed, early-morning doctor visits. This not only benefits employee wellbeing but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction, as employees can focus on their work rather than worrying about managing their health appointments.
A cost-effective solution for modern workforces
With 85 percent of employers planning to enhance their benefits offering in 2025, now is the time to explore options that are easy to implement and proven to deliver value.
Livi works with businesses of all sizes to provide tailored digital health access that:
Supports physical and mental wellbeing
Works alongside existing benefits packages
Is simple to roll out and communicate
Costs less than you think.
