Despite the economic downturn, companies are more than doubling their spend on healthcare benefits, accordin to Simplyhealth.
Simplthealth's Bothered Britain Report 2009, finds that 60% of HR professionals believe that health benefits packages have become more important in the last 12 months, with 40% stating that they are a key influence in recruitment and retention.
As a result, budgets for health and wellbeing have increased, with over a quarter (26%) of companies confirming they will be increasing the range of healthcare benefits that they offer in the next 12 months. A third also stated that they will spend more money on their healthcare provision - a figure which has more than doubled since 2008.
Commenting on the results, James Glover from Simplyhealth said: "Increasing pressure on businesses and employees has seen a rise in stress levels and combined with global health scares, employees are now taking health benefits seriously. This is why it is important for companies to really look at their employer and employee needs and address these with a comprehensive health benefits package that is cost effective and adds tangible value for the company."
