Marvin OnumonuLess than half of UK employers think employees know about added-value benefits, research from Towergate Employee Benefits found.
Only 47% of employers said their managers understood these benefits well, and just 41% believed their employees did.
Added-value benefits include options like virtual GPs, mental health support, digital physiotherapy, fitness trackers, rewards and discounts.
Some less known benefits cover menopause and fertility support, second medical opinions, eldercare, help with diagnoses or navigating the NHS.
David Williams, head of group risk at Towergate Employee Benefits, said: “Group risk benefits have traditionally been sold on their financial benefits, with the added value benefits being just that – added value.
“But there is an argument to say that it should be the other way round.
“Whereas only a limited number of employees in a company may ever have to claim on their group risk insurance, every employee in the company can benefit from the embedded benefits.”
Williams pointed out this is especially true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
In smaller companies, most people might never use life assurance, but all could access a virtual GP, mental health support or fitness advice.
He added that having these benefits included in wider packages can be more cost-effective for employers than buying them separately.
Williams added: “It is time additional benefits were placed front and centre when employers purchase the main employee benefit or insurance, as well as when they communicate the benefits.
“The added-value benefits will often be the entry point for many employees in engaging with their benefits.
“The majority won’t need to make a claim, but often they can all benefit from the benefits.”
