You made it! Another great year in the books filled with fun, laughter and a whole lot of employee benefits (at least we hope so!) We hope 2022 has taught you even more about which benefits your employees and clients value most.
As you and your organization begin to review 2022 and make plans for next year, it’s important to pay close attention to what worked, what didn’t work, and what could use some improvement. You should be asking yourself and your colleagues if there are any unexpressed needs of your employees or your clients that may need to be met in the new year.
Addressing those needs involves staying in the know about the latest trends in healthcare and employee benefits. By educating and equipping yourself, you can become an industry leader in your field. Plus, when you know your stuff, your employees are more likely to feel secure knowing they can trust you to provide the healthcare benefits they need for a happy and successful 2023.
To help you prepare for a great new year, explore some of the top trends in healthcare and employee benefits coming in 2023.
2023 Top Trends in Healthcare
- Increase in Remote and Hybrid Work
The demand for hybrid and remote work, as well as shortened workweeks, will continue to increase as more companies make the shift to more flexible work schedules. Employees are beginning to value their time over other workplace benefits. In fact, in a recent Qualtrics study, 54% of employees said they were even willing to take a pay cut for the opportunity to work at a company that shared their same values.
Employees are also reporting that hybrid and remote work routines help them save money on commuting costs, clothing expenses, food and more. Not to mention a range of mental health benefits for employees as many have more time in their day to practice self-care.
If you’re thinking about changing your work-from-home policies, consider surveying your employees anonymously to see how many of them would prefer working fully remotely, in a hybrid environment, or fully in the office. This will give you a better idea of what your employees actually desire.
Then, provide options that demonstrate your flexibility and desire to provide your employees with exactly what they need. In return, your organization will benefit from a thriving company culture and may even lead to more than 4x higher revenue growth.
- More Telemedicine and Technological Options
As hospitals and doctors’ offices continue to embrace technology, expect to see an expansion in the technology used to monitor patients remotely.
2023 will see an even greater increase in technology that supports telemedicine in doctors’ offices and more telehealth options offered by insurance companies. These options help keep doctors and patients safe in the event the patient has to have limited contact with others.
Additionally, telehealth options help meet the growing demands on employees' personal schedules as they can make their appointments without commuting, missing work or leaving their families.
- More Affordable Services, Products, and Plans
The recent shifts in the economy coupled with the aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic have created a great deal of uncertainty for many employees. In fact, at the end of 2021, 75% of people with health insurance were still worried about the cost of medical bills.
Healthcare costs have become so intimidating that nearly half of American adults say they have “delayed or gone without medical care in the last year” due to rising costs.
To address these rising concerns with affordability, consider offering supplemental plans like HSA, FSA, HRA, Commuter Benefits and more that help make healthcare more affordable and ensure your employees and clients are protected from any gaps in coverage.
- Greater Emphasis on Physical and Mental Well-being
Employees are continuing to place more emphasis on their holistic wellness. They pay close attention to how their physical and mental well-being are interconnected and they want benefit options that help keep their minds, bodies and spirits healthy.
In fact, researchers are finding that typical methods of working have been causing our bodies hidden harm. According to the Mayo Clinic, a study on the effects of sitting found that “those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to that posed by obesity or smoking.”
To help your employees and clients champion their overall health, consider adding wellness programs, gym and fitness benefits and walking challenges to your offerings. According to researchers, wellness programs have been reported to improve mental and physical health and even sleep for the employees who utilize them.
- Healthcare Equity for the Vulnerable and At-Risk Populations
According to the CDC, health equity is “achieved when every person has the opportunity to ‘attain his or her full health potential,’ and no one is ‘disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances.’” This includes eliminating health disparities so that all Americans can enjoy optimal health.
Sadly, not all Americans have the same access to quality levels of care due to geography, race, ethnicity, income, or family status. One of the largest contributing factors is income and the burden of medical debt.
Employees want more healthcare personalization in terms of age, ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation. As well as accommodations for families vs. singles, childcare, adoption assistance and parental leave.
To help your employees and clients receive more equitable care, be an organization that breaks the barriers that lie between your employees and the care they need. Provide customized benefit options that are targeted to certain segments of the workforce. For example, consider offering additional childcare or elder care support to help employees with dependents who require additional care.
Listening to your employees and having candid discussions and open forums that specifically address their varied needs will only serve to strengthen your organization and move one step closer to closing the health equity gap.
Setting Trends. Meeting Needs.
At Clarity Benefit Solutions, simplicity is always trending. We strive to stay ahead of the top healthcare trends leading the benefits industry to provide you with streamlined solutions that are easy to implement and use. From celebrating simplicity to utilizing state-of-the-art benefit solutions, you can better meet your employees’ and clients’ unique needs in the new year with Clarity.
Contact us today to learn how our benefit technology can build trust while transforming your business.
