Employers who provide health and wellbeing support and insurers who include it as an additional value must make sure that it is provided by specialists to achieve the best health outcomes for individuals says RedArc.
Encouraging the Return of the Long-Term Sick: RedArc anticipates a continued national economic priority to bring the long-term sick back into the workforce. Specialist support can minimise absences, potentially preventing some individuals from needing to stay away from work.
Crucial Specialist Support for Serious Illnesses: RedArc predicts an increasing recognition, especially in 2024, among employers regarding the necessity of specialist support for serious illnesses like cancer. Emotional and financial motivations drive survivors to return to work, and the presence of trusted professionals is crucial in navigating associated challenges.
Focus on Measurable Outcomes with Specialist Support: With specialist support gaining prominence, RedArc foresees a heightened focus on outcome measurement. Pre and post assessments, such as GAD and PHQ within a mental health context, delivered by clinically trained practitioners, will carry significant weight for employers, insurers, and individuals in 2024.
Addressing Primary Care Pressures: RedArc predicts that as pressures on primary care persist, organisations will increasingly need to provide meaningful support to employees and customers. This involves granting access to experts who can help individuals navigate the NHS, understand the care access process, and know the right questions to ask.
Consumer Duty in the Spotlight: Consumer Duty remains a top consideration, with RedArc projecting a growing need for insurers to partner with reputable third-party suppliers. In practice, this involves collaborating with qualified, clinically-trained practitioners to ensure products and services align with the FCA’s regulatory guidelines, meeting the health needs of individuals.
RedArc commercial director Christine Husbands says: “Those looking to offer health and wellbeing support have an overwhelming amount of choice, such has been the prolific growth in this sector. Therefore, identifying providers who can make a material difference to health outcomes is paramount and will be a significant focus throughout the year, particularly as contracts are renewed and renegotiated.”
“A plethora of companies offering health and wellbeing support are now available but those who procure such support for the benefit of their employees and customers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential gaps or shortfallings in the service they receive. In many cases, it simply isn’t adequate and may only offer light-touch support. Clinically-trained experts are the best people to deliver expert support and we expect increased focus on this during 2024.”
