Every business worth its salt realises that the key to success lies in its people. In the words of Richard Branson, “If you look after your staff well, they will look after your customers”. And in 2024, that increasingly means thinking about your employees' health and wellbeing. It can't have escaped your attention that the health and wellbeing of employees have become central themes in the corporate world recently, driven by an awareness of the impact on productivity, job satisfaction, and overall company performance. But maybe you think your business "can't afford" to provide group insurance and employee wellbeing support? Well if that's the case, perhaps you should consider the costs of not providing it.With NHS waiting lists ever rising, the health of the UK population is coming under increasing strain. The latest analysis by the Health Foundation suggests the waiting list for routine hospital treatment in England could rise to over 8 million by next summer. That means around one in seven people will be suffering from lack of treatment. At the same time, it's becoming more and more difficult to get seen by an NHS dentist . In fact, many people can't even get onto a practice's books, with around 90% of the 7,000 dental practices in England not accepting new NHS patients. No wonder that a survey by SimplyHealth found that 2 in 10 people have taken a sick day because of dental pain, while one in 10 have taken a whole week off.Speedy accessIn contrast, if you offer group health insurance or group dental insurance to your staff, they'll get seen by a specialist promptly and efficiently, enabling them to get the treatment they need more quickly, and back at work sooner. Without it, they may spend weeks, even months, waiting for help — meaning their health and, consequently, work performance will suffer. There may even be serious absences as a result. And that doesn't just affect the sick employee, it brings down morale among the workforce overall because their fellow employees are normally expected to take the strain and cover their workload. Conversely, offering group insurance makes employees feel looked after, boosting morale and loyalty to the firm, and reducing absence and staff turnover. Plus, because these benefits are so highly prized, they'll also help your business lure and retain the top talent on the job market, contributing to a positive workplace culture overall.Holistic approachBut there's an important proviso. If that's all your insurance provider offers, then you're missing a trick. Because that's only covering one side of the employee health coin: dealing with problems when people's health goes bad. The other side, though, is prevention: stopping health problems from emerging in the first place. Most traditional insurers don't even consider that, but YuLife sees it as key, and places it at the centre of all our insurance offerings. Group Life Insurance, Group Income Protection, Group Critical Illness, Group Dental Insurance or Group Health Insurance with YuLife — or a combination of these policies — you'll find your employees becoming highly motivated to engage in regular physical and mental health tasks that instantly lift their overall wellbeing.Sounds too good to be true? Read on and we'll explain the simple way that it works.The YuLife wayWhen a company partners with YuLife to provide group plans, its employees gain access to the YuLife employee app, which uses a gamified approach to wellness that encourages employees to adopt healthy habits and engage in regular physical activity. The YuLife app tracks steps, cycling, meditation and other wellness activities. And when employees engage in these activities, they're rewarded with YuCoin: in-app currency that can be redeemed at leading retailers. They can also be used to get discounts on product, services or experiences; or donated to charity or environmental projects. This playful approach motivates employees to make healthy choices, and maintain an active lifestyle, improving their overall wellbeing and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.Social elementCrucially, there's also a social element to all this activity. YuLife regularly hosts activity challenges, encouraging employees to engage in specific healthy behaviours, such as completing a certain number of steps, meditating for a specific duration, or cycling a certain distance. Employees can also compare their performance to that of fellow colleagues via a group leaderboard, or compete in fun duels for extra YuCoin. These features add an element of competition and camaraderie, further motivating users to participate and achieve their health and wellness goals. As well as promoting mental wellbeing through meditation, YuLife users can also access a library of mindfulness and meditation exercises via the app. These resources help employees manage stress, improve sleep quality and enhance overall mental clarity.Typically, when YuLife is introduced, the vast majority of employees download the app, engagement is high and it makes a positive change to the culture of the company. And you don't have to take our word for it: have a look at our case studies to hear exactly what employees have to say.Investing in the health and happiness of employees is longer just a moral imperative. In the UK right now, it's a strategic decision that will pay dividends in the form of a resilient, engaged and high-performing team. The current strain on the UK's healthcare system, with rising NHS waiting lists and challenges in accessing dental care, highlights the urgency for businesses to provide group health insurance. These policies provide a lifeline for employees, ensuring prompt access to specialised care and reducing absenteeism.However, policies that ignore prevention are only addressing one half of the employee health challenge. The world in 2024 demands not just reactive measures but a proactive commitment to preventive care and holistic wellbeing. With YuLife, businesses can navigate the evolving landscape of employee health, ensuring a workforce that is not only protected — but also motivated to thrive.Request a demo for your team today.