Barriers to access limiting impact of workplace health benefits 

Employees are using workplace health benefits more frequently, but barriers to access are preventing many from fully engaging with the support available, according to new research from Simplyhealth. 

The data shows that 65 per cent of employees now have access to workplace health benefits, with one in five (20 per cent) using them at least once a month. This marks an increase from one in six (15 per cent) in 2025, signalling growing demand for employer-supported healthcare. 

However, uptake is still being constrained. More than a quarter (29 per cent) of employees with access say they have needed to use their benefits but have not done so. Among those who have used them, 66 per cent report experiencing barriers, highlighting a gap between provision and practical access. 

Simplicity is emerging as a key driver of engagement. A third of employees (35 per cent) say they would be more likely to use their health benefits if they were simple to access, while 23 per cent say clearer communication from employers would encourage greater use. 

Cost and reimbursement processes remain significant obstacles. Seventeen per cent of employees say their benefits only partially covered costs, while 14 per cent were reluctant to claim because they did not want to pay upfront and wait for reimbursement. Other barriers include uncertainty around what is covered and difficulty accessing preferred providers. 

Dr Macarena Staudenmaier, Head of Clinical Product at Simplyhealth said: 

“It’s encouraging to see so many employers investing in workplace health benefits at a time when they are contending with many competing financial demands. This commitment can make a real difference to people’s health and wellbeing and to long-term business outcomes. 

“There’s a big opportunity to increase the impact of this investment by helping teams feel confident about using the benefits available to them. Simple steps can go a long way: communicate clearly and regularly what’s covered, explain how to access support, and make signposting part of onboarding and everyday line-manager conversations. 

“When employees understand their healthcare options, especially how to get help quickly when they need it, they’re more likely to use benefits early, when support can be most effective. That not only improves engagement and return on investment, it also helps employers build a workplace culture rooted in preventative healthcare.” 

The findings point to a broader workplace wellbeing challenge. While access to support is increasing, complexity, lack of clarity and administrative friction are limiting its impact. This is particularly relevant as more organisations look to health benefits to reduce absence and support productivity. 

Paul Schreier, CEO at Simplyhealth, said: 

“We want our members to make the most of our services. Over the last two years we’ve relentlessly focused our efforts to remove friction and pain points from everyday healthcare – building a simple digital front door through the Simplyhealth app, speeding up claims by integrating AI into our operations, and expanding affordable services people can actually use. 

“2.8 million working-age people are now economically inactive due to ill health. It is critical that employers and health providers work together to break down barriers to access experienced by employees to support a healthy and productive workforce.”