More than a third of British workers aren’t using their workplace health benefits, while many workers who do use them face significant access barriers, according to research from Simplyhealth.
Data from the healthcare services provider showed 34 percent of workers ignore their health benefits entirely, while among the employees that do try to use them, 53 percent have to negotiate barriers to access.
These barriers include employees having to ask their line manager for information or approval before using them (16 percent), while 13 percent had to gain “pre-authorisation” from their manager or insurer to use their health benefit. A further 13 percent found the process to access their workplace health benefits too complicated, while 9 percent said their pre-existing conditions were not included in the cover.
Researchers found there was clear demand for simplified access to health benefits, with 37 percent of employees saying this would make them most likely to use the benefits. Quick access was also in demand, with 36 percent saying this would help, and 22 percent would like to see cover for pre-existing conditions.
A fifth of employees (20 percent) said they would be more likely to use their health benefits if they knew their claims would be paid quickly, and if it meant they didn’t have to take time off work for appointments (19 percent).
The research also revealed that employers feel a responsibility to do more, with three quarters (73 percent) wanting to look after their employees’ health in response to longer NHS patient waiting times.
However, 86 percent of employers have at least one concern or worry when putting in place health benefits for their employees. For example, 31 percent worried that they will have difficulty finding health plans for employees with pre-existing health conditions.
Researchers said that the benefits of simple, accessible workplace health benefits were clear as 60 percent of employees said it makes them happier at work and 48 percent said health benefits are an important reason for staying in their job.
Among employees that don’t receive workplace benefits, 54 percent said having them would make them more productive at work, while a similar proportion (48 percent) believe they would take fewer sick days as a result.
Paul Schreier, CEO at Simplyhealth, said: “Employers recognise the huge responsibility they have to support the health of their people and the value it creates in terms of reducing long-term sickness and boosting productivity. Workplace health benefits are a big part of these efforts, but too often traditional offers are complex and difficult to access.
“The government’s 10-Year Plan for the NHS has put prevention at heart of ambitions for the health service, and businesses are very well placed to further those objectives – promoting preventative healthcare that improves productivity while easing pressure on the NHS.
“Simplifying health benefits is one of the first steps businesses can take. It’s why at Simplyhealth we’ve focused on developing a range of affordable healthcare services, including 24/7 GP access, mental health support, health cash plans and pay-as-you-go services. These aim to simplify access, reduce costs and boost uptake, with no GP referral or pre-approval required and the majority of plans covering pre-existing conditions.”
The government unveiled its 10-Year Health Plan, ‘Fit for the Future’ on 3 July, 2025, to improve the health of the nation, not just the NHS. Employers are expected to play a vital role in supporting meaningful health improvements across the UK.
Last year an investigation by Lord Darzi reported that many people cannot get a GP or dental appointment, waiting lists for hospital and community care have “ballooned”, staff are demoralised and demotivated, and outcomes on major killers like cancer lag behind other countries.
Under the 10 year plan, the government aims to reinvent the NHS through three radical shifts: hospital to community, analogue to digital and sickness to prevention.
Simplyhealth said that improving workers’ access to healthcare has the potential to reduce long-term illness, boosting economic activity and further the government’s wider growth ambitions.
The provider also highlighted the shocking statistic that 2.8 million working age adults in Britain are currently out of work because of a long-term health condition. In addition to this, more than 200,000 people left work specifically for health reasons in 2023-24. This sickness crisis has led to Britain’s economy being 10 percent smaller than it would otherwise be, holding back growth and productivity, and costing £150 billion per annum.
