Australian workplaces are changing, largely due to a growing flexible workforce and desire to attain a healthy workplace. But how does Accident and Health cover impact employers?

Creating a healthy, well-being focused workplace

Australian Government’s Department of Health statistics indicate that, each year, approximately one in five Australians will be affected by mental illness.

In addition, The Black Dog Institute found that mental illness is now the leading cause of sickness absence and long-term work incapacity in Australia. The total workplace cost of depression is estimated to be $8,025 in any one year per affected employee, with an estimated three to four days of work lost for every employee experiencing depression.

With growing awareness of mental health, health and wellbeing and stress, employers are undertaking a number of initiatives to promote a healthy workforce.

From an employer’s perspective, there is increased awareness of best practice for managing these claims and the recovery process. This can be particularly challenging for organisations that do not have the necessary expertise in-house.

Delivering desirable protection

There is an increased need from this flexible workforce that to perform well, they need to feel supported and reassured so if they’re impacted by sickness or accidents, they have the necessary pathway and networks to recovery.

Organisations are now recognising that Accident and Health insurance can address this need. This is due to protecting employees from sickness or accidents that exceed the confines of traditional working hours, statutory schemes such as Workers Compensation and physical workplaces.

Christopher Prabu, GB's National Business Development Manager, says,

“Our Accident and Health offering gives clients the ability to protect their most important asset – their people.”

“At GB, our experienced national team manages over 3,000 accident and health claims every year on behalf of government departments, major Australian insurers and self-insured clients.”

Healthier workplaces are good for employees and organisations

By offering Accident and Health Cover as a benefit to increasingly mobile employees, employers are taking their organisations into the future.

An analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics data reveals the number of employed people who work from home has dramatically risen from 20 per cent of the entire labour force to 30 per cent in 15 years.

About 1.3 million people say they choose to work from home to have a rent-free home office, to take advantage of flexible workplace arrangements, for childcare reasons, and to spend more time with family.

Through offering physical protection, organisations can attain the following benefits,

• Attracting and retaining talented employees – Employers that invest in employee wellbeing are more likely to attract and retain talented, committed employees
• Improved work performance and productivity - Employees perform at their best when they have high levels of job satisfaction psychological wellbeing
• Enhancements for your company’s bottom line – Lower recruitment and training costs, staff turnover, less sick days and presenteeism. Greater productivity decreases these costs and leads to increased revenue long-term
• Improved workplace wellbeing - Work provides employees with a greater sense of purpose, additional social networks and supports, provides opportunities for development and helps them achieve in areas of strength, and
• Assisting recovery - Work can play an important role in helping employees in recovery. 

It’s in everyone’s best interest to create a more desirable, productive and healthier workplace.

Gallagher Bassett provides accident and health claims handling services which apply our unique return to work model to accident and health policies. From more information please contact us.