94% of employers want more wellbeing and absence management support, L&G finds

Research from Legal & General (L&G) found that 94% of UK employers would value more support from advisers or insurers on wellbeing and absence management. 

82% of employees said they want proactive return-to-work support from their employer following illness, with 49% saying it should be offered as standard and 33% seeing it as an added benefit. 

At least seven in 10 respondents at every job level agreed that proactive support from employers makes sense.

Employers highlighted early intervention and return-to-work planning as top priorities, with 44% wanting help in these areas, alongside communicating benefits to employees. 

Only 29% said navigating different benefit options was a main concern.

Vanessa Sallows, claims & clinical development director – group protection at L&G, said: “Employee needs assessments often happen when someone is already preparing to return to work. 

“Many employers are already looking at ways to provide support throughout an employee’s absence. 

“With the right support from Vocational Rehabilitation Clinicians and other specialists, employers can help their employees access practical, personalised support sooner, which can reduce the length of absence and make returns to work more sustainable.”