Every year ushers in a flood of healthcare changes and new benefits for employees. The year 2016 is no different. Employers need to be aware of these trends to maintain their offerings' competitiveness in the market and improve worker retention. Take a look at some of the most popular benefits for 2016:
Telemedicine
Workers can become frustrated by the time and effort it takes them to visit a medical professional for diagnosis varying in severity. In 2016, telehealth practices will become more attractive to employers, according to the Benefitfocus blog. A study by the National Business Group of Health found almost 75 percent of companies planned to offer this perk this year. Workers can virtually meet with licensed professionals, explain their symptoms and receive an analysis over the phone or video chat. As a result, people will be less likely to rush to the hospital when a problem arises. Telehealth programs usually offer doctor visits within minutes of a sent request and can help people reduce their healthcare expenses.
"Strong education and leave policies make employees feel supported."
More comprehensive education and leave perks
Employers want to choose benefits option that encourage employee recruitment and retention. Organizations in 2016 will likely beef up their education assistance and leave policies to ensure workers feel supported, according to Inc. magazine. Whether it's paying off student debt, partnering with a local or online college or providing helpful seminars and training for employees, companies are improving their personal development offerings to show backing for people's growth.
More businesses are also taking a closer look at their leave terms for employees, mainly for paternity and maternity situations. Many organizations are opting to pay workers during this time and include new fathers in their initiatives. Enhancing both education and leave benefits will encourage people to remain with their employer for a longer period of time while increasing the level of attraction for job candidates.
Wellness programs
Companies are looking outside their normal healthcare offerings for the upcoming year. While wellness programs have been gaining popularity over time, these initiatives are becoming the norm for 2016, U.S. News and World Report suggested. In fact, 80 percent of businesses offered wellness resources and information in 2015, according to a study from the Society for Human Resource Management. This number is expected to continue growing and is a sign that these plans are a strong perk for workers. Wellness procedures offer both employers and employees a reduction in healthcare costs, as workers participating in these programs are often healthier and usually make hospital and doctor's visits less. In addition, companies that implement these plans often see fewer insurance claims, keeping their costs low.
Employers around the world are updating and improving their healthcare and benefits offerings for 2016. It's important for these companies to understand the trends currently popular on the market to ensure the perks provided to workers help organizations remain competitive in the business world.
Triton Benefits provides comprehensive health benefits, customizable to a company's needs with the help of their team of licensed health insurance brokers. From retirement planning to wellness technology to health coaching, Triton Benefits can help organizations develop a benefits package that's on trend with the perks of 2016.