Health and wellbeing support with 24/7 access to a personal doctor, was the number one employee benefit for almost half (48%) of UK workers in 2022, according to new data*.

Analysis of usage data has revealed the most used features, services and support, which confirms requests for GP and doctor support services were the app’s most used service last year.

Further health and wellbeing services were also popular, notably access to personal mental health counselling services and a crisis support helpline, health and fitness advice and gym memberships, and carer support including dedicated resources such as telephone advice and online guidance for working carers.

“The user habits and trends revealed by our analysis of the Engage 2022 data are in many ways unsurprising, given the national and global economic challenges of last year,” comments HIVE360’s CEO David McCormack. “Record numbers of people are struggling to make financial ends meet, cover the cost of food, heat, energy and fuel, and access healthcare services when they need them.”

Recent research (the Joseph Rowntree Foundation) reveals that almost one third of UK workers – approximately 8.2 million people – have experienced low work productivity due to financial concerns, whilst a ProGlove-commissioned survey finds that 42% highlight exhaustion and fatigue as significant challenges every day.

“As living costs continue to soar, especially on everyday items and purchases, workers are seeking out financial services, resources, and benefits that represent genuine help,” says David.

“Workers’ already fragile mental and physical health and wellbeing is worsening because of the economic uncertainty, workplace stress and burnout, along with financial worries, and this is clearly reflected in Engage’s data usage trends.

“Everyone is battling to get appointments with their family doctor, and the sustained growth in the number of users accessing the 24/7 GP and personal doctor service and its ‘click to call’ access to an NHS GP, reflects this and is a sign of the times. The number of users accessing Engage’s library of health and wellbeing advice, guides and resources has never been higher.

“When it comes to supporting employee mental health and wellbeing, Employee Assistance Programmes are a fantastic option for businesses to fulfil their duty of care as an employer, particularly when they involve counselling, and other employee benefits that help to support your staff’s wellbeing,” he says.

*Data from from HIVE360