Almost six in 10 Canadians with disability or chronic health issues say their condition would worsen without access to their workplace benefits plan, according to research from Royal Bank of Canada Insurance.
The research also showed 40% of Canadians with a disability or chronic health issues experienced challenges accessing their employers’ group benefits because of their unique needs.
However employees with a disability (48%) and those with a chronic health condition (51%) were more likely to have access to virtual care tools than those that do not have such conditions.
The poll also found four in 10 working Canadians experienced a decline in their physical health throughout the pandemic.
An inability to socialise with family, friends or co-workers (72%) and work-related stress (58%) were also cited as major factors affecting overall health.
Commenting on the research, Julie Gaudry, head of group benefits at RBC Insurance, said: “The survey really highlights the numerous difficulties the pandemic has had on the health of working Canadians, while also shedding new light on the barriers experienced by those living with a chronic health condition or disability.
“As businesses work with insurers to make their group benefit decisions, it’s important that employers consider the broad spectrum of healthcare needs to close these gaps and ensure support for all employees.”
