More employees are using workplace health benefits in 2026, but many still face obstacles that prevent them from making full use of the support available.
Access to employer-provided healthcare has expanded, with nearly two thirds of workers now covered, while usage has also increased compared with last year.
The figures, from health cover provider Simplyhealth, show that 65 percent of employees receive health benefits through their employer, with one in five using them at least once a month. It marks an increase from the previous year, when around one in six reported using their benefits that frequently.
Barriers continue to limit uptake
Despite wider availability, many employees are not using the support on offer, even when they need it.
More than a quarter of those with access said they had not used their benefits despite needing to, while two thirds of those who had used them reported encountering barriers. Common issues include uncertainty about what is covered, concerns over costs and reimbursement, and difficulty navigating the claims process.
Some employees said they were reluctant to use benefits because they would have to pay upfront and wait to be reimbursed, while others were unsure whether their condition qualified for support. Lack of clarity is also a persistent problem, with some employees saying they do not fully understand what their plan includes.
Simplicity seen as key to improving use
The research suggests that making benefits easier to access could significantly increase uptake.
More than a third of employees said they would be more likely to use their health benefits if they were simpler to use, while others said clearer communication from employers would encourage them to engage.
Dr Macarena Staudenmaier, head of clinical product at Simplyhealth, said improving understanding and access could increase the value of workplace health provision. “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.
“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.”
Link to workforce health and productivity
The findings come as employers face growing pressure to support employee wellbeing and reduce sickness-related absence.
Official figures show that millions of working-age people in the UK are economically inactive due to ill health, increasing the focus on preventative healthcare and early intervention.
Simplyhealth chief executive Paul Schreier said improving access to support is essential for both individuals and organisations. “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.”
He said simplifying processes has been a priority. “Over the last two years we’ve relentlessly focused our efforts to remove friction and pain points from everyday healthcare.”
Focus on clearer communication and design
Experts say the challenge for employers is not just offering benefits, but ensuring employees understand and feel confident using them.
Clear communication, simple digital access and faster claims processes are all seen as ways to reduce friction and improve engagement.
Embedding awareness into onboarding and manager conversations can also help normalise use and ensure employees know what support is available.
As workplace health benefits become more widespread, the focus is increasingly turning to how effectively they are delivered, with simplicity and clarity likely to play a central role in improving outcomes.
William Furney is a Managing Editor at Black and White Trading Ltd based in Kingston upon Hull, UK. He is a prolific author and contributor at Workplace Wellbeing Professional, with over 127 published posts covering HR, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing topics. His writing focuses on contemporary employment issues including pension schemes, employee health, financial struggles affecting workers, and broader workplace trends.
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
- William Furney
