Three quarters of employers (73%) think the pandemic will result in long term changes to how they support the health and wellbeing of their staff, according to a study from group risk industry body Grid.
This support includes more checking in with staff (71%), increased support for improved communication (68%), improved engagement and use of available support (65%) and increased mental health support (64%).
But the report also reveals employers expect an increase in support for physical wellbeing (57%), social wellbeing (54%), financial wellbeing (52%), improving the choice of benefits (49%) and providing support for dependants (48%).
And two-thirds (64%) of employers expect to increase specific support available for Covid-related concerns over the long-term.
Commenting on the findings, Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for Grid, said the pandemic has meant the health and wellbeing of staff was now integral for every employer.
“It’s heartening that employers consider the measures they’ve put in place over the past twelve months to be positive changes and not simply short-term fixes to get through the crisis,” she said.
“Although vaccines and easing of lockdown restrictions are providing some light at the end of the tunnel, we’re a long way from this being fully over. It’s good that employers recognise they can’t simply retract Covid-19 support in the immediate future.
“Before buying or renewing a contract, it’s important and indeed advisable that employers get to grips with all that’s now available.”