Marvin OnumonuUnum UK said its Help@hand app has reduced sickness absence and restored lost productivity for UK employers.
New research found three-quarters of users resolved health concerns quicker using the app compared to booking other care.
Among those who used the remote GP service, nearly two-thirds (63%) took less time off and 12% said they would have taken time off if they hadn’t seen a doctor.
84% felt supported with guidance on next steps, while almost two-thirds (63%) said their confidence in managing their health and wellbeing had improved.
Saumya Barber, head of proposition development at Unum UK, said: “UK sickness absence is at its highest in 15 years, and employees are losing an average of 9.4 days annually – a 62% jump since before the pandemic.
“Our data shows a clear opportunity: high quality, digital health services like Help@hand from Unum close gaps in care, speed up recovery and help ease the growing economic strain of absence.
“Unum estimates that poor employee health costs SMEs over £28 billion every year in lost output.”
Barber added: “Help@hand connects physical, mental and lifestyle support together in one place, stopping small issues from becoming big problems.
“Every day saved from employee absence helps protect businesses’ productivity and strengthens the wider UK economy.”
Research found that digital health services resolved concerns faster, reduced absence and empowered employees to manage their wellbeing.
This helped recover lost output and contributed to the Keep Britain Working agenda.
Barber said: “The Keep Britain Working review makes one thing clear: workforce health is now a national priority.
“With sickness absence at record highs, and winter viruses adding to the pressure, employers and policymakers are seeking urgent action.
“Now is the time to prioritise services like Help@hand so employees have fast access to health and wellbeing support.
“The sooner businesses act, the stronger their teams – and the economy – will be.”
