Digital health services could help ease absence crisis, says Unum UK

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-using-a-laptop-8376198/

Unum UK says digital health services could play a key role in reducing sickness absence and restoring lost productivity, as new data shows a measurable impact from its Help@hand app.

A survey of app users found that 75 per cent had their health concerns resolved faster than if they had booked care elsewhere. Among those using the remote GP service, 63 per cent said it reduced their time off work, and 12 per cent would have taken time off had they not been able to see a doctor. In total, 84 per cent of surveyed users felt supported with guidance on next steps.

Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK, said:

“UK sickness absence is at its highest in 15 years and employees are losing an average of 9.4 days annually – a 62% jump since before the pandemic. Our data shows a clear opportunity: high-quality, digital health services like Help@hand from Unum close gaps in care, speed up recovery and help ease the growing economic strain of absence.

Unum estimates that poor employee health costs SMEs more than £28 billion every year in lost output. Help@hand connects physical, mental and lifestyle support together in one place, stopping small issues from becoming big problems. Every day saved from employee absence helps protect businesses’ productivity and strengthens the wider UK economy.”

Unum says the findings show that clinically robust digital health services can resolve health concerns faster, reduce absence and help employees manage their wellbeing proactively, contributing to national efforts set out in the Keep Britain Working review. Saumya added:

“The Keep Britain Working review makes one thing clear: workforce health is now a national priority. With sickness absence at record highs, and winter viruses adding to the pressure, employers and policymakers are seeking urgent action. Now is the time to prioritise services like Help@hand so employees have fast access to health and wellbeing support. The sooner businesses act, the stronger their teams – and the economy – will be.”

The survey included 826 Help@hand users who attended a consultation between August and September 2025.