Telehealth is becoming a more regular part of the workplace, and most experts agree that this is a positive development for both employees and employers. If a firm is considering adding this benefit to their employment packages, there really should not be any hesitation.
Even as the economy slows, the competition for productive employees remains quite high. Adopting telehealth services is an effective way for companies to attract and retain top employees and gain an edge.
Like many other technological advances, the main benefit of telehealth is increased access. As more people become comfortable with the idea of receiving routine medical care via personal devices, telehealth is having a positive impact on the way that businesses operate.
Increased access means that it’s no longer necessary to take time off for doctor’s appointments and it’s possible to access wellness treatments from anywhere.
Employees who battle with issues like depression and anxiety are better able to access treatment and support that allows them to be more productive and engaged in the workplace. With the growing acceptance and legality of medical marijuana, for example, both employees and employers are coming to terms with a new medical and treatment landscape.
With the looming recession, workers may have less leverage than they did during the peak of the Great Resignation, but that does not mean that there aren’t still ongoing pressures affecting the labor market.
The competition for good and above-average employees remains very high. Telehealth is an effective way that businesses can make changes to the way they operate and provide all employees with a desirable work environment.
Positive impacts of telehealth and technology on the workplace
Topics like data management and improving internal information management are top of mind for many business leaders. These current topics reflect the positive way that technology can impact business operations when approached in the right way.
Understanding how technology can benefit both the employer and their employees can help businesses gain an edge over the competition.
Telehealth is just one example of how technology can be beneficial to businesses at an enterprise level. There are a few fundamental benefits of telehealth, including:
- Flexibility of treatment and timing – when telehealth services are widely available as part of the corporate benefits package, both employees and employers will reap a positive impact. Employees will require less time off from work. Therefore, employers will have less disruption to deal with. When team members believe that they are a priority to the firm at which they work, they become more committed to their positions and duties. The healthier a person is, the more engaged and productive they can be. This translates into having an optimized staff and also helps to give overall employee retainment a boost.
- Privacy – firms must be aware of privacy laws, especially when it comes to matters like health care. A clear example is available in the states where cannabis is legal. If staff members rely upon medical marijuana treatment for issues like anxiety and depression, it is vital that they can expect privacy. Because telehealth is conducted via the internet, data protection should also be at the forefront of a firm’s IT agenda. Maintaining privacy allows employees to feel free to access the healthcare options that are available to them.
- Wellness and optimizing employee health – this is perhaps the greatest benefit for companies when it comes to telehealth. Healthy employees typically provide a greater contribution to the bottom line than their unhealthy counterparts. While there are health issues that affect workplace productivity, it is often issues like disengagement that have the most detrimental effects on efficiency. Maintaining employee health and wellness may not be the job of the employer, but providing the tools necessary for staff to take care of their health will pay dividends.
Offering telehealth is a great way for businesses to provide a meaningful and positive benefit to their teams. And, it is also an effective way to improve corporate culture and efficiency. With the recent strains that are present within the labor market, finding and retaining effective employees has become even more important than in past years.
An engaged and productive workforce can mean the difference between leading one’s industry and falling woefully behind. The smart firms will do all that they can to ensure that they are in the first group!
Utilizing tools like telehealth to attract and retain good employees
As mentioned above, staff retainment is a huge issue due to the current constraints in the labor market. And, as many employees are realizing, changing jobs can lead to a significant boost in salary and benefits. The smart firms aren’t putting their heads in the sand and are taking proactive steps to attract, hire, and retain top performers.
Benefits like telehealth are effective tools for realizing this goal. Telehealth has helped to change the way businesses operate for the better. Routine healthcare that occurs in the virtual realm cuts down on the time necessary to receive proper care. It also encourages people to seek care in a timely manner as it is much more convenient to do so.
Employee wellness is worth striving for, especially for companies that are growing and have ongoing staffing requirements. The importance of taking care of a firm’s employees cannot be overstated due to the current labor environment. Staff members are able to access the care that they need with minimal disruption to their days. This reality clearly benefits all parties.
As the pandemic has proven, telehealth is here to stay and is a technological tool that companies should embrace. Embracing technology in the workplace can yield many positive results. Companies and leaders who want to stay ahead of the curve understand this.
Additionally, technological advances, such as robust information management and benefits like telehealth help employees to stay more productive and engaged. There is no reason why companies should not begin to embrace these technologies and add them to their corporate culture.
