Autumn can bring a change of pace for many rural businesses. Shorter days, colder and wetter weather and seasonal workloads can all affect employees, particularly those who spend much of their working day outdoors.
For employers, it’s a useful time to consider how these changes could affect physical and mental wellbeing, and whether employees have the right support in place.
Here are five practical ways to support your workforce this autumn.
1. Help employees look after their physical health
Working outdoors during colder, wetter months can place different demands on employees. While appropriate clothing, equipment and safe working practices are essential, employers can also consider the wider healthcare support available to their people.
Benefits such as Private Medical Insurance (PMI) can provide access to eligible private consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment, while Health Cash Plans can help with the cost of everyday healthcare, including dental care, eye tests and physiotherapy.
For rural employees who may live or work some distance from healthcare services, benefits that include digital or remote healthcare options can also be particularly useful.
2. Keep mental wellbeing on the agenda
Shorter daylight hours, demanding workloads and working in more isolated locations can all affect how people feel.
Creating a workplace where employees feel comfortable discussing their wellbeing is important throughout the year, but autumn can be a useful time to remind people that support is available.
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can provide confidential support for a range of personal and work-related concerns. Employers should also regularly communicate how employees can access the support included within their benefits.
3. Encourage employees to take a preventative approach
Supporting employee health isn’t only about responding when someone becomes unwell. Encouraging employees to look after their health proactively can help them identify concerns earlier and make informed choices about their wellbeing.
Depending on the benefits you provide, employees may have access to services such as virtual GPs, health assessments and wellbeing resources.
For employees working across rural or remote locations, convenient digital services can make healthcare support easier to access without necessarily needing to travel.
4. Remember financial wellbeing
Employee wellbeing extends beyond physical and mental health. Financial pressures can be a source of worry at any time of year, with household costs often becoming more noticeable as temperatures fall and we approach winter.
Clear information about workplace pensions, employee benefits and any financial wellbeing resources you provide can help employees understand the support available to them.
Simple, timely communications can also encourage employees to make use of benefits they may not realise they already have.
5. Check your benefits still meet your employees’ needs
No two rural businesses or workforces are the same. The benefits that work for an office-based employee may not always meet the needs of someone working outdoors, remotely or across different locations.
Autumn can be a good opportunity to review your current employee benefits ahead of the new year.
Consider which benefits employees are using, whether there are gaps in your current offering and whether employees understand what’s available. Asking your people what they value can also help you make informed decisions about where to focus your benefits budget.
Supporting your people with CLA Healthcare
Whether your employees work in an office, outdoors or across rural locations, having the right benefits in place can help you support their health and wellbeing throughout the year.
Through CLA Healthcare, CLA members can access independent advice from Howden Employee Benefits. Our specialists can help you review your existing arrangements, understand the options available and find benefits that suit your business, workforce and budget.
From Private Medical Insurance and Health Cash Plans to Dental Insurance, Employee Assistance Programmes, Group Life Assurance and workplace pensions, we can help you make informed decisions with confidence.
Talk to CLA Healthcare to find out how we can help you support your employees this autumn and beyond.
T: 01274 717361
E: healthcare@cla.org.uk
W: www.clahealthcare.co.uk