Businesses are constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance employee wellbeing, satisfaction and productivity in today’s world. And one of the groundbreaking solutions we’re seeing come into play more and more around the world: Telehealth services. With this new virtual healthcare model, businesses can now offer their employees convenient access to healthcare services without the constraints of traditional brick-and-mortar clinics. But how can businesses benefit from integrating telehealth into their workplace wellness programmes? What is Telehealth?Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, refers to healthcare services you can access remotely. This includes virtual consultations with doctors, mental health counselling through video conferencing, or even remote monitoring of a patient's vital signs. Telehealth is giving businesses a unique opportunity to offer top-of-the-line wellbeing resources that can help their workforce and attraction and retention strategy become stronger than ever before. Because employees can consult with healthcare professionals from the comfort of their homes or offices, this offers a plethora of benefits for both the employee and employer — and limits the amount of people commuting into doctors’ offices, and overall, relieves a bit of pressure on the NHS. 5 Benefits of Telehealth Benefits in the Workplace1. Offers a preventative and protective approach to wellbeing One of the most significant benefits of Telehealth for businesses is the improved accessibility of healthcare services for employees. Especially considering how people are far less likely to stay on top of their health if they have to pay out of pocket and it’s less accessible, offering these types of services can be a game-changer to the overall wellbeing and success of your team. Especially when it comes to men’s health, research has shown that they will take 9% more video GP appointments than women simply because of the convenience and anonymity. With Telehealth platforms, employees can schedule virtual appointments with healthcare providers at their convenience, reducing absenteeism — but also promoting early intervention for health issues. These benefits often include a variety of virtual healthcare services to cover the holistic care of your employees, like access to 24/7 on-call virtual GPs and mental health counsellors, as well as preventative screening services.So not only does this mean your people can assess their health before entering a workplace and reduce transmission of any illnesses around the office, but they can catch diseases early as well — overall, allowing them to be more proactive and on top of their health. 2. Reduces health-related business costsEspecially because of Telehealth’s preventative measures, investing in virtual healthcare services for your employees can also have a notable impact on cost savings. It reduces a lot of indirect costs associated with employee absenteeism and productivity loss due to poor mental health or burnout — while also impacting Insurance premiums and healthcare facility fees overall. In the US, for example, calculations show that investing in virtual health services can save employers anywhere from $300-$1,500 USD per emergency visit. So while this approach to healthcare is reducing cost and strain on the NHS, it’s saving your business and employees money and time, commuting, and added coverage costs. 3. Improves employee sentiment and productivityIt’s no secret that healthy employees are more productive employees. By providing access to Telehealth services, businesses can help employees address health concerns promptly, reducing the impact of illness on productivity. What’s more: virtual consultations also allow employees to receive medical advice without disrupting their work schedules, leading to improved efficiency and morale.Offering services like this allows employees to feel safe and cared for in the office while removing any stigma around taking time off for their health, which helps to prevent any longer-term conditions that lead to further absenteeism. It also provides a safe space for employees to be vulnerable and discuss wellbeing. And when that happens, your workplace becomes far more open, communicative and effective overall — because workplace culture improves, people become more likely to stay, and top candidates become more likely to apply.4. Long-term health management Access to Telehealth resources also allows for easier streamlining of records and patient information. This means that individuals will have easier access to their records, and more accurate data, and they’ll be able to play a more active role in maintaining their health.In addition to this, certain Telemedicine packages like Bupa x YuLife Health Insurance package allow 24/7 virtual GPs as well as access to at-home testing DNA and blood test kits to extend the at-home care model even further. They can consult with an NHS-trained physician online or over the phone to go over their results quickly and actively take charge of their health. How to implement Telehealth in the WorkplacePartner with Telehealth Providers: Businesses like YuLife partner with Telehealth providers and often package it into comprehensive offerings that include virtual consultations, health monitoring tools, and personalised wellness programmes tailored specifically to employees' needs. Promoting Telehealth Adoption: Offering benefits is one thing, driving engagement to those benefits is another. Encourage your employees to embrace Telehealth services by launching awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits, and guide them how to access virtual healthcare resources. Offering incentives such as discounts on health insurance premiums or wellness rewards can also incentivise employees to use Telehealth services.Integrate Telehealth with Existing Wellness Initiatives: Telehealth should be viewed as a complementary component of a comprehensive workplace wellness programme. Businesses can integrate Telehealth with wellness initiatives such as fitness challenges, nutrition counselling, and mental health resources to create a holistic approach to employee wellbeing.Telehealth represents a paradigm shift in workplace wellness, offering businesses a powerful tool to enhance employee health and productivity. As the adoption of Telehealth continues to grow, businesses that embrace this transformative technology will undoubtedly gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining top talent while fostering a culture of health and wellbeing in the workplace.About YuLifeYuLife is working to reimagine the insurance industry by protecting lives, rewarding living and inspiring life. We’re on a mission to transform traditional insurance into a life-enhancing experience each employee will value and use daily. How does it work? Our award-winning app uses behavioural science and game mechanics to reward your people for living well while offering protection in case of crisis. And with our top-rated employee assistance programme, your team gets access to mental, financial and social support, virtual GPs, nutritionists, life coaches and more to help them live their best lives.Because we believe that your employees should benefit from their insurance from day one — and that wellbeing should be accessible every day, for everyone.Request a demo for your team today.