Marvin OnumonuHealth and wellbeing benefits are being used to prevent absence by 59% of companies, research from Towergate Employee Benefits found.
Most employers focused on stopping problems before they start, with support in place to help staff stay healthy and at work.
Nearly a quarter (23%) of businesses said absence rates cause issues.
The impact was higher in bigger businesses: 16% in companies with two to 20 employees, 22% in firms with 21 to 249 staff, and 36% in those with 250 or more employees.
Health and wellbeing benefits now cover a wider range of support, aiming to prevent illness and cut absence before it happens.
This support includes things like health screening, virtual GP access, gym discounts, fitness trackers, nutrition advice, and help to quit smoking.
These options are often found within benefits such as private medical insurance and income protection.
David Williams, head of group risk at Towergate Employee Benefits, said: “There is now a lot more additional preventative care within employee benefits.
“Preventative support works, and employee benefits providers know that preventing illness is cheaper than treating illness.”
“With so many possibilities available for preventative health, and the list ever-changing and growing, it is important that employers take time to discover the options and take advice if needed, to ensure they incorporate the right support for their staff demographic.”
The research also found that 46% of employers use health and wellbeing benefits to help people return to work sooner.
Tackling health issues early can help stop them from becoming long-term absences.
Williams added: “Preventative care brings advantages to every size of business.
“The health and wellbeing industry recognises the importance of preventative healthcare so is making developments all the time, and options are available that will provide solutions for all employers and their employees.”
