8 ways to improve your well-being, starting at work
While most companies offer some common benefits, like health insurance, employers often also provide incentives, support, and other types of coverage that you might not know about. More and more companies are offering benefits that go beyond the basics to support the whole employee — from back-up childcare to mental wellness support. Nearly 4 in 5 businesses (79%) say it’s very important to them to help improve the health and wellness of their employees.1
It’s possible that you’re not aware of all the well-being tools your job offers. Researching and then taking advantage of your employer’s full suite of benefits and offerings can be a cost-effective way to make a positive impact across your mind, body, and wallet. Read on to learn about some of the incentives and benefits that your employer might be offering.
1. Mental wellness benefits
More and more companies are recognizing that their employees need and want mental wellness benefits. Nearly two-thirds of organizations say they’re expanding their mental health resources — double what it was in 2016.2 Your employer may offer you mental health benefits through platforms where you can quickly connect with a mental health provider suited to your needs. Depending on the mental wellness benefit app or program available to you, you may have access to mindfulness exercises and other resources, like grief support, that can help, even if you're not seeking ongoing therapy or counseling.
Your company may also offer an EAP (employee assistance program), which can provide a broad range of helpful services, including mental health counseling or access to resources for alcohol and substance abuse issues. EAPs can even get you help with financial or legal problems. Unfortunately, very few employees who have access to EAPs use them, largely because many aren’t aware of the benefit or how it works.3 Find out if your company offers this valuable resource and take advantage of the variety of services from your EAP.
2. Support for caregivers
The pandemic put the role of caregivers into the spotlight, and more and more businesses are seeing the need for increased flexibility to support employees who also care for a child, parent, or partner. Ask your HR rep about these benefits:
Childcare and eldercare: Your employer knows you have a lot going on outside the workplace. That’s why they might offer full or discounted care for preschool children or after school care. Some companies offer back-up childcare, to assist on days when schools are closed but the office is still open.
Tutoring: If your child needs some extra help at school, it may be available at lower or no cost to you through tutoring services or mentorship opportunities at work.
College planning: Your company may offer guidance on financial planning, navigating financial aid, and help with college admissions. If your child is about to leave the nest, it’s worth asking what services are available to assist in the process.
3. In-plan preventive care
You know you have health insurance, but do you know exactly what it covers? Many plans provide full or partial coverage for common health care visits. Some of the items that insurance may cover can include:
Preventive care: Many insurance plans cover routine preventive care, 100%. While other charges may apply, such as for bloodwork, the actual visit for an annual wellness visit or gynecological exam may be fully covered.
Mammograms: Your annual mammogram or breast sonogram may be fully covered.
Generally, full coverage for these visits will only be with doctors in your insurance network. Get the details on your health insurance coverage and find out what’s paid for fully. Then, don’t forget to make those appointments!
4. Other benefits and supplemental insurance
In addition to health insurance, your company may offer you dental, vision, life, and supplemental health insurance — such as hospital indemnity, critical illness, and accident insurance. Next time you renew your benefits at work, take the time to review all benefit options.
Dental insurance can cover cleanings and fillings, and depending on the plan, also help ensure you don't end up with a hefty bill when you need more extensive dental work. Some plans even include orthodontic benefits. Maintaining good oral health can help you avoid or better manage serious health-related issues.
Vision insurance can provide coverage for routine eye exams and save you money with eyewear or contacts. These benefits are not typically covered under major medical plans. And since regular eye exams can detect diseases like glaucoma and diabetes, enrolling in a vision insurance plan makes good sense.4
Accident insurance pays you benefits after you suffer an injury from a covered accident like a severe burn or broken bone, or for emergency room treatment. In certain situations, it’s also possible to use the benefit after diagnostic testing like X-rays.
Critical illness insurance pays a lump sum benefit if you have an illness or a serious medical event like a heart attack.
Hospital indemnity insurance helps cover the costs associated with an extended hospital stay. Medical insurance covers some of the expenses and hospital indemnity insurance can help with some of the rest, allowing you to feel more financially protected during and after a hospital stay.
Disability insurance — short term or long term — provides partial income so you can pay your bills if you’re too sick or injured to work.
Life insurance provides a death benefit to your beneficiaries if you pass away to help protect those that depend on you.
5. Physical health benefits
Six in 10 employers report that expanding the use of wellness and health programs is important to them, making these types of perks even more common today.5
Look out for wellness initiatives, fitness incentive programs, online yoga classes, or nutrition programs. If your company offers rebates for a gym membership or purchasing exercise equipment, it can help to fund your fitness routine.
6. Pet insurance
Don’t miss out on pet protection! If your employer offers pet insurance, it may help cover the costs of annual wellness exams, prescriptions, or vet expenses.
7. Professional development and continuing education
Invest in your own professional growth through classes, online tutorials, or professional membership networks. Many companies will even help to reimburse tuition for an advanced degree if it’s related to your job.
8. Discounts
Savings from rebates, deals, and promotions can add up. Find out if your company offers any discounts or partnerships that can help you save money. Common discounts include cell phone bills, internet, savings on computers, phones, and other tech equipment, office furniture if you work at home, travel deals on hotels or rental cars, and discounted tickets to entertainment events.
Employers today are recognizing that employees need more than just health insurance to enforce their workforces’ well-being. Take advantage of these benefits today to start saving and take steps to help support your well-being.