Results of a survey released today by healthcare benefits provider HSA have found that many companies are unaware of the true impact of absence caused by dental treatment. The survey, which was conducted among 190 UK companies, has found that although 95% of respondents monitor the cost of sickness absence, 48% do not monitor absence caused specifically by staff taking time off work for dental pain, treatment or check-ups.
ìIt is estimated that sickness absence caused by dental treatment equates to 12 million working days a year, which attracts a staggering associated cost of around 754 million ,î comments Suzanne Clarkson, Head of Corporate Marketing at HSA. ìDespite this, it is apparent from our survey that a large number of companies are not monitoring its impact and putting in place measures to proactively manage the problem.
ìHowever, if employers help staff with funding via a corporate dental benefit, this can help in a number of ways. Firstly, by allowing employees to visit the dentist based on need rather than on affordability it may help towards the prevention of serious conditions; secondly as availability of private dental appointments may be more flexible around work hours, the length of absence taken for treatment may be reduced; and thirdly by providing a benefit that staff will use regularly and truly value this might aid recruitment and retention,î concludes Suzanne.
HSA offers a range of plans which are ideal for companies looking to help their employees with access to affordable dental care, as well as providing a package of valuable health benefits. HSAís WorkWell range of options, for example, includes a standalone dental and optical plan with an employee assistance programme. The plan allows staff members to claim 100% cash back towards costs of visits to the dentist and optician up to an annual limit.
Additionally, by incorporating a 24-hour helpline and face-to-face counselling sessions WorkWell also helps to reduce stress and promote general health and wellbeing. In addition to this plan, HSA offers a corporate cash plan that can be purchased on a company paid or employee paid basis and offers a range of benefits including dental, optical, and complementary therapies.
Other highlights of the survey results include:
Of those respondents who are not willing to offer a dental benefit to employees, 61% think it is the employeesí responsibility to look after their teeth
The main reason cited for providing a dental benefit is to ëpromote employee wellbeingí (71%). This was followed by ëbeing seen as a caring employerí at 57%
Only 25% of respondents were happy to pay for a dental benefit for employees, despite the fact that the majority of respondents believed their staff would value it
Impact of dental absence slipping through the net
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