If you’re running a business, few things are more disruptive than employees going off sick. Whether it’s a short-term absence or a long-term illness, the costs can quickly add up, affecting time, morale, and finances.
But what if there was a way to reduce the number of absences, support your team better, and improve overall productivity?We’ll look at why employees go off sick, how it affects your business, and how offering group life insurance with added benefits can help keep your team healthy and present. With an estimated 2.78 million people being economically inactive due to being on long-term sickness leave in the UK, preventative and recovery solutions are essential for businesses.
Why do employees go off sick?
Sickness absence isn’t always avoidable, but it often stems from deeper issues that can be supported more effectively.
Here are the most common reasons employees take time off work:
- Mental health struggles like stress, anxiety, and depression
- Chronic illnesses or long-term health conditions
- Musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain or joint issues
- Poor work-life balance or burnout
- Lack of access to medical support or early intervention
- Personal life challenges or bereavement
Many employees delay getting help, or don’t get any at all, because they feel they can’t afford it, can’t get time off, or don’t know where to turn.
The business cost of sickness absence
When an employee is off sick, especially for a long time, the cost extends far beyond paying statutory sick pay.
Some of the hidden impacts include:
- Decreased productivity and team disruption
- Increased pressure on other staff
- Slower project delivery
- Reduced morale
- Higher recruitment costs if replacements are needed
- Lost clients or business if service is affected
For small and medium-sized businesses, this can quickly become unsustainable, especially if multiple employees are affected simultaneously.
How group life insurance helps reduce sickness absence
You might be surprised to learn that group life insurance can help prevent employees from going off sick, not just support their families if they die.
Why? Because modern group life insurance policies often come with built-in employee benefits, such as:
- 24/7 virtual GP access
- Mental health support and counselling
- Physiotherapy or musculoskeletal advice
- Specialist nurse helplines
- Second medical opinions
- Health and wellbeing apps
These aren’t just nice extras – they’re early intervention tools. They help your staff address problems early, get quicker treatment, and avoid extended or unnecessary absences.
Benefits of offering group life insurance with support services
1. Quicker access to care
Employees can speak to a GP or mental health professional without waiting weeks for an NHS appointment.
2. Improved employee wellbeing
With regular access to advice, guidance, and treatment, staff feel more supported and less overwhelmed.
3. Reduced time off sick
Early intervention helps prevent minor issues from escalating into major ones, resulting in fewer absences and quicker returns to work.
4. Better staff retention
When employees feel looked after, they’re more likely to stay loyal to your business.
5. Stronger company culture
Offering protection and wellbeing services shows your team that you value them, not just their output.
How to introduce group life insurance in your business
Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s how to put it in place:
Step 1: Speak to a protection specialist
They’ll help you choose a policy that includes both financial protection and employee wellbeing services.
Step 2: Decide who’s eligible
Group life policies can cover your entire team or a select group of employees. There’s usually a minimum of 3 or 5 people.
Step 3: Communicate it clearly
Let employees know what benefits are included, how to access them, and how they support their wellbeing.
Step 4: Use the benefits
Encourage your staff to utilise the virtual GP, counselling, and support services regularly, not just in times of crisis.
FAQs
Does group life insurance only pay out if someone dies?
No. While the core benefit is a payout to the employee’s family in the event of their passing away, most group life policies now include additional services such as health support, counselling, and medical helplines.
Is offering group life insurance expensive?
It’s usually more affordable than you’d expect, and the value you get through reduced absence and improved wellbeing often outweighs the cost.
Can I offer group life insurance to my small team?
Yes. Some providers offer policies starting with as few as three employees.
Do employees have to pay for the benefits?
No. Most group life policies include these services as part of the employer’s policy at no extra cost to the employee.
Final thought
Stopping employees from going off sick isn’t just about having stricter absence policies. It’s about giving your team the tools and support they need to stay healthy and feel valued.
A group life insurance policy with built-in wellbeing services is one of the most effective ways to reduce absenteeism, boost morale, and demonstrate your care for employees, all while protecting their families financially.
If you’re ready to support your staff better and keep your business running smoothly, our team can help you find the right policy.
