Two-thirds (66%) of employees believe they would be more productive if they could access healthcare quicker, according to research by Simplyhealth.
Its survey found that around half (52%) of employees had delayed seeking medical care in the past year and respondents reported losing more than two working days a year due to delayed or difficult access to healthcare.
Reasons cited for delayed treatment were not finding a space in their schedule or that they were worried about taking time off work.
Furthermore, eight in 10 (78%) employers believed their employees expected better healthcare support in the workplace.
The Access Gap: Building healthcare around real working lives report, quizzed 5,000 employees and 500 HR professionals.
On average, employees reported working five days while unwell or injured and said their output had dropped by more than 40% on these days.
Improving access to healthcare could mean virtual appointments, evening or weekend availability, faster access to clinicians and support tailored to different life stages and circumstances.
Simplyhealth CEO Paul Schreier (pictured) said: “The way we work has changed dramatically, but the way people access healthcare has not always kept pace.
“Too many employees are still struggling to get timely support that fits around their working lives, leading to delays in treatment, lost productivity and poorer health outcomes.
“Closing the access gap is a practical opportunity for employers and the economy.
“Employers should look carefully at whether their health support is genuinely easy to access, fast to navigate and designed around the realities of modern working life.
“Getting this right can mean healthier people, stronger businesses and a more productive economy,” he added.