Tue, 8 Sep 2009
Private medical insurance could help control staff
illness, according to a Biba spokesman.
Those running a business should consider private medical insurance (PMI) to help maintain their staff's health, according to an industry spokesperson.
Peter Staddon, head of technical services at the British Insurance Brokers’ Association, suggested PMI could play a role in ensuring productivity and ultimately profitability.
He claimed some small and medium-sized enterprises view PMI as a potential "employee saving" opportunity as staff illness is easier to control in this way.
"What we can't have is that member of staff not working at their best because they are worried about medical problems," said Mr Staddon.
"It is a much better way of maintaining the health of your staff as well as your business, and there are some brilliant schemes out there."
Employees are rating PMI as a highly desirable benefit, research by Bupa shows. A recent survey by the private health insurance firm found that PMI is second only to a pension in terms of what benefits staff want.
Fears about superbugs such as MRSA and long waiting times on the NHS are factors that encourage people to opt for PMI.
According to the Association of British Insurers, more than 7.3 million people in the UK now have some form of private health cover, with 6.2 million protected through personal or corporate PMI.
A further employee benefit that those running a business should consider is investing in staff training courses, as many employees view the opportunity to develop their skills as an important perk.
It is widely accepted that staff training helps to motivate employees, improve the skills base within an organisation and retain valuable human resources.
Thanks for your help,
The learndirect team