ANDOVER, England, April 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey 2010 has highlighted the value that HR managers now place on dental benefits. Two thirds of companies believe dental benefits reduce sickness absence, a number that has more than doubled since 2008 (30%). A further two thirds believe they improve morale and aid recruitment and retention. As dental access and cost become greater concerns, are companies recognising where they add further value to employee benefits packages?
According to the research, 39% of people are now struggling to find an NHS dentist. This has grown steadily from 23% in 2008 to 35% in 2009. Recognising this issue, more HR managers state they would implement dental benefits now out of concern for the oral health of employees (49% up from 41% in 2008). Also, 74% believe it is the responsibility of companies to look after the oral health of the workforce.
James Glover from healthcare provider Simplyhealth, comments: Our research has found that there is a perception amongst 71% of companies that implementing dental benefits can be expensive but this need not be the case. A Simply Cash Plan for example starts from just GBP1 per employee per week providing cover for dental visits, optician appointments, complementary therapies and much more. Also, the Simply Dental Plan, which focuses solely on supporting oral health, starts from just GBP7 per week. Both plans can be offered on an employee paid basis, where there is little cost or administration for the company.
Dental benefits clearly have a demonstrable value. 37% of companies surveyed with dental benefits have found it easier to control time off for dental appointments, 41% have seen a reduction in time off due to dental health problems, and 47% have experienced an increase in employee engagement. It is evident that this benefit carefully strikes the balance between adding value to your employee wellbeing package whilst giving something back to the employer.
Simplyhealth provides cover for dental check-ups, treatment and emergencies through its Simply Cash Plan and Simply Dental Plan. Perfect for both NHS and private access with claims paid usually within a few days. For further information, visit http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk or call +44(0)800-294-7303.
Notes to Editor
About Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey
- The research was conducted by Opinion Matters using an online fieldwork methodology. Opinion Matters surveyed 250 HR managers and 1,005 working adults between 24 February and 4 March 2010.
About Simplyhealth
- Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the last 8 years to form Simplyhealth - At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare trusts and mobility and living aids - Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority - As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers providing cover for some 2.3 million people - Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on its communities. Each year, we help health related charities and causes to the tune of at least GBP1million
For further information, please bother us at:
http://www.simplyhealth.co.uk/media-centre
SOURCE: Simplyhealth
CONTACT: Abby Bowman, Senior Brand and PR Manager +44(0)1264-342561;Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager +44(0)1264-342570; RebeccaJeremy, Public Relations Assistant +44(0)1264-342400; Orpr@simplyhealth.co.uk
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