Workplace virtual health support helping employees return to work faster  

Employer-funded virtual wellbeing services helped employees reduce time away from work and improve mental health outcomes in 2025, according to new insights from workplace protection provider Canada Life. 

The findings, based on usage data from Canada Life’s WeCare wellbeing service, suggest growing demand for fast-access health support as employers continue to focus on absence management, workforce resilience and productivity. 

A survey of 2,480 people who used the WeCare virtual GP service last year found almost half (48 per cent) avoided taking time off work as a result of using the service, while 46 per cent said they returned to work more quickly following their consultation. 

WeCare, delivered by Teladoc Health UK on behalf of Canada Life, provides group protection members and their immediate families with access to virtual GP appointments, mental health support and second medical opinions. 

Canada Life said the longer appointment times available through the service allowed employees to address multiple health concerns in a single consultation. Half of users seeking GP appointments also received a specialist referral, private prescription or fit note to support their treatment or recovery. 

The data also pointed to growing use of employer-funded mental health support. More than 6,800 therapy sessions were delivered through WeCare in 2025 by registered mental health professionals. 

Among employees using the service, 82 per cent reported improved overall mental health following support sessions, while 66 per cent said they experienced reduced anxiety and 64 per cent said the support improved their ability to cope. 

Canada Life also reported significant changes to treatment plans following use of the platform’s Second Medical Opinion service. Of 2,700 individuals who sought a review of an existing diagnosis or treatment pathway, 82 per cent were advised to change treatment and 28 per cent received a change in diagnosis. 

The service connects users with global medical specialists across a range of conditions, including oncology, cardiology and women’s health. 

Chris Morgan, head of protection product and propositions at Canada Life, said: “WeCare usage in 2025 is evidence that employers who provide access to holistic wellbeing services as part of their employee benefits can actively contribute to the building of healthier, more resilient workforces – and boost workplace productivity by lowering health-related absence. 

“Whether employees are living with a skin condition or seeking help with their mental health, providing access to services that deliver fast, appropriate and tailored care helps workers stay in or return to work more quickly, while also feeling better informed and more in control of health management.” 

The findings reflect a wider shift in workplace health strategy as employers increasingly use digital healthcare services to support early intervention and reduce pressure on NHS waiting times. With long-term sickness absence remaining high across the UK workforce, virtual wellbeing support is becoming a more prominent part of absence prevention and employee health management strategies.