Your workforce is struggling to access healthcare when they need it most.
Data from the British Safety Council shows that an average of 18 million days in the UK are lost each year due to mental health conditions such as stress, depression, and anxiety, and with sickness absence potentially costing UK businesses upwards of £22 billion in 2024 according to Office for National Statistics data, the impact on productivity and your bottom line is undeniable.
But what if there was a way to give your employees immediate access to quality healthcare that actually works around their lives?
The hidden cost of inaccessible healthcare
Think about the last time one of your team members called in sick. Behind that absence might be a story you haven't heard: the wait for a consultation, or the anxiety of an undiagnosed condition getting worse whilst they wait.
The statistics paint a concerning picture. Data from the Royal College of GPs reveals that over 1.6 million patients are waiting over a month for GP appointments, whilst the NHS England GP Patient Survey 2024 shows that over a fifth (20.8%) wait between a week and two weeks after first contacting their GP.
For your employees, these delays mean more than just inconvenience, they mean productivity lost, conditions worsening, and stress mounting. Research by CIPD found that UK workers lose 61 working days in productivity every year due to mental health problems.
Understanding the real impact on your business
Let's move beyond the human cost and examine what this means for your organisation. CIPD's Health and Wellbeing at Work survey 2023 found that the average rate of employee absence now stands at 7.8 days per employee per year. But sickness absence is just the tip of the iceberg.
The productivity paradox
According to Office for National Statistics data, the average UK employee works for eight hours a day but productivity varies significantly across sectors. When employees are worried about their health or managing untreated conditions, this productivity gap widens further.
Consider these workplace realities:
Presenteeism costs more than absence. The Institute for Public Policy Research found that employees lost the equivalent of 44 days of productivity due to working through sickness, compared to just 6.7 days through taking sick leave. When your team can't access timely healthcare, they're more likely to soldier on whilst unwell, spreading illness and working at reduced capacity.
Mental health challenges are escalating. CIPD data indicates that mental ill health continues to be the most common cause of long-term absence. Without accessible support, these issues compound, leading to longer-term absences and higher turnover.
The recruitment and retention crisis deepens. Deloitte's Global Human Capital Trends report found that wellbeing remains a top priority for workers when choosing an employer. In a competitive talent market, can you afford to lose experienced team members because they can't access basic healthcare?
Breaking down the numbers
For a company with 100 employees, the average cost of sickness absence alone could exceed £200,000 annually. And that's before you factor in temporary cover costs, missed deadlines and lost opportunities, the knock-on effect on team morale, and time spent managing absence and return-to-work processes.
Why NHS access is challenging
The NHS provides excellent care and remains a cornerstone of UK healthcare, but accessing it has become increasingly challenging due to unprecedented demand and resource pressures. The NHS England GP Patient Survey found that only 53% found it easy to contact their GP practice by phone, compared to 68% in 2021.
Your employees face multiple barriers through no fault of the NHS or its dedicated staff.
Many practices release all appointments at 8am
This system, developed to manage overwhelming demand, unfortunately creates additional stress for both patients and practice staff.
Digital barriers persist despite good intentions. Whilst online booking systems exist to improve access, NHS England data shows that less than 45% (44.8%) of those who tried to contact their GP through an app found it easy. Technology that should simplify access sometimes adds another layer of complexity.
Digital barriers persist despite good intentions
Even when employees do secure an appointment, the typical 10-minute slot often isn't enough to address their concerns comprehensively. GPs work incredibly hard within these constraints, but the time pressure can leave both doctors and patients feeling rushed.
Geographic disparities create postcode lotteries
Research from the Nuffield Trust shows that in some parts of the country as many as 6.7% (one in 15 people) wait more than a month to see their GP, while in others only 1.4% have to wait that long. These variations reflect local workforce challenges rather than any failing of individual practices.
Private GP services: a complementary solution
This is where private GP services can work alongside NHS provision to ensure your workforce gets the healthcare they need. Instead of competing for scarce appointments, your employees get healthcare that works around them, whilst helping reduce pressure on NHS services for those who need them most.
What makes private GP services different?
Immediate access when it matters becomes reality. No more 8am phone queues or weeks of waiting. Private GP services typically offer same-day or next-day appointments, ensuring your team gets help when they need it most. This is about creating additional capacity that benefits everyone.
Flexibility that fits modern work patterns makes a real difference. Whether your employee needs a video consultation during their lunch break, an evening appointment after a client meeting, or a weekend slot that doesn't disrupt their workweek, private GP services adapt to their schedule. This flexibility means health concerns don't automatically mean time off work.
Comprehensive consultations allow proper discussion. Unlike the time-pressured NHS appointments, private GP consultations often last 15-30 minutes, allowing time to discuss multiple concerns, explore preventative health measures, and develop proper treatment plans. This mirrors the holistic care NHS GPs would love to provide if time allowed.
Continuity of care builds better outcomes. Employees can often see the same GP repeatedly, building a relationship that leads to better health outcomes and more personalised care. This continuity, once a hallmark of NHS general practice, has become harder to achieve in the current system.
The Verve Healthcare difference
At Verve Healthcare, we've been built on nearly 30 years of NHS experience, understanding what real workplace health support looks like.
Our Private GP Appointments through Verve On Demand are clinically-led healthcare designed around how your people work and live.
Patient-led consultations respect your employees' time and concerns.
Our 15-30 minute appointments let employees set the agenda, discussing multiple concerns in one session.
Clinical expertise drives our service.
Beyond crisis management: building a healthier workforce
Private GP services do more than solve immediate health crises, they fundamentally change how your employees engage with their health, creating a culture of proactive wellbeing rather than reactive sick leave. Our proactive wellbeing services work alongside our on-demand offerings to create comprehensive support.
Effective preventative care
When accessing healthcare is easy, employees are more likely to address issues early. That persistent cough gets checked before it becomes pneumonia. That niggling stress gets support before it becomes burnout. Proactive healthcare benefits everyone: employees stay healthier, employers see fewer absences, and the NHS faces less pressure from preventable escalations.
Health and Safety Executive data shows that work-related stress, depression, or anxiety accounted for 914,000 cases with an estimated 17.1 million working days lost. Private GP access helps catch these issues early, when intervention is most effective.
Proactive healthcare benefits everyone: employees stay healthier, employers see fewer abscences, and the NHS faces less pressure from preventable escalations
Supporting the whole person
Modern workplace challenges require modern solutions. Your employees are juggling work pressures, family responsibilities, and personal health concerns. Private GP services recognise this reality and adapt accordingly.
Mental health support without stigma becomes possible when employees can discuss stress, anxiety, or depression in a confidential, non-judgemental setting. They can access support before reaching crisis point, preventing the downward spiral that leads to long-term absence. Our mental health and neurodiversity support goes beyond helplines to provide real clinical care.
Work-life integration improves dramatically when evening and weekend appointments mean health concerns don't always require time off work. This reduces both absence and presenteeism, allowing employees to maintain their commitments whilst prioritising their health.
Family considerations are acknowledged and supported. Many services allow employees to arrange appointments for family members, reducing the stress of managing dependents' health needs during work hours. This recognises that employee wellbeing extends beyond the individual to their whole family unit.
The business case: ROI that makes sense
Investing in private GP services isn't just about employee welfare, it's a strategic business decision with measurable returns that any finance director would appreciate.
Direct financial benefits
Reduced absence costs deliver immediate returns. Even a modest 10% reduction in sickness absence could save a 100-employee organisation £20,000 annually in direct costs alone. When you consider the true cost of absence, including temporary cover and lost productivity, the savings multiply significantly.
Lower recruitment expenses protect your bottom line. CIPD research shows that the median cost of recruitment per employee is £1,500, rising to £3,000 for senior managers. Retaining healthy, supported employees saves significant recruitment and training costs whilst preserving institutional knowledge.
Increased productivity transforms your workforce effectiveness. Employees who can quickly access healthcare return to full productivity faster, maintaining project momentum and team performance. The difference between a three-week wait and a next-day appointment could be thousands of pounds in maintained productivity.
Indirect value creation
Enhanced employer brand attracts top talent. Willis Towers Watson's Global Benefits Attitudes Survey found that employees increasingly value health and wellbeing benefits when choosing employers. In sectors where talent is scarce, superior health benefits can be the deciding factor for candidates.
Improved team morale creates positive ripple effects. When employees see colleagues receiving prompt healthcare support, it builds trust and loyalty across the organisation. This improved morale translates into better collaboration, higher engagement, and improved customer service.
Risk mitigation protects business continuity. Early intervention prevents minor issues becoming major absences, protecting your business from unexpected workforce gaps. In an era of lean teams and critical dependencies, keeping key personnel healthy is business critical.
Implementation: making it work for your organisation
Introducing private GP services doesn't have to be complex. Here's how to ensure success whilst avoiding common pitfalls.
Getting leadership buy-in
Present the clear business case using your organisation's specific data. Calculate your current absence rates, associated costs, and the potential ROI of reducing these by even 10-20%. The Centre for Economic and Business Research found that effective absence management can deliver significant productivity gains.
Frame the investment in terms of risk management and competitive advantage, not just employee benefits.
Show how private GP services support business objectives around productivity, retention, and growth. Remember, this is an investment in business performance, not just a cost.
Choosing the right provider
Not all private GP services are created equal. Look for providers who understand workplace health, not just individual healthcare. Clinical credibility matters enormously. Look for NHS-experienced GPs and regulated providers who understand the UK healthcare landscape and can work effectively alongside NHS services.
Genuine flexibility goes beyond just offering video calls
Can employees book appointments at times that suit them? Are there options for face-to-face consultations when needed? Does the service accommodate different communication preferences and health needs?
Integration capability ensures smooth implementation
Services should complement, not complicate, existing healthcare provision. Look for providers who understand how to work with occupational health, EAPs, and other workplace health services.
Data and insights add strategic value
Good providers can demonstrate impact without compromising employee confidentiality, helping you understand usage patterns and health trends to inform broader wellbeing strategies.
Launching for success
Communicate clearly about how the service works, emphasising ease of access and confidentiality. Address any concerns about private healthcare openly, positioning it as additional support that works alongside, not instead of, NHS care.
Lead by example to normalise usage. When senior leaders openly discuss using the service for routine health concerns, it removes stigma and encourages widespread adoption. Share appropriate success stories that demonstrate the service's value.
Monitor and refine based on real usage. Track usage patterns and gather feedback to ensure the service meets your workforce's needs. Be prepared to adapt based on what you learn, whether that's adjusting communication strategies or adding complementary services.
Industry-specific considerations
Different sectors face unique workforce health challenges. Private GP services can be tailored to address these specific needs whilst maintaining clinical excellence.
Technology sector
The tech world presents particular challenges. Despite abundant perks, burnout, anxiety, and musculoskelatal issues are rising. Tech workers need healthcare that matches their always-on mentality. Video consultations during sprint cycles and mental health support for high-pressure roles are essential. The ability to access care without leaving the development environment or interrupting flow state makes private GP services particularly valuable.
Finance industry
City life takes its toll in unique ways. According to the Health and Safety Executive, the finance and insurance sector has one of the highest rates of work-related stress. Weekend appointments and stress management support help maintain performance without sacrificing wellbeing. When million-pound deals depend on key personnel, ensuring rapid health access becomes a business imperative.
Manufacturing and logistics
Shift workers face particular access challenges. When you work nights or start at 5am, traditional GP hours simply don't work. Private GP services that offer genuine 24/7 availability ensure night shift workers aren't disadvantaged. This equality of access is crucial for maintaining morale across different shift patterns.
Creative industries
The gig economy creates coverage gaps. Freelancers and contract workers often miss out on workplace health benefits, creating a two-tier system within organisations. Inclusive private GP schemes can cover your entire workforce, regardless of employment status, ensuring everyone contributing to your success has access to healthcare.
Addressing common concerns
Years of experience have taught us the questions that hold organisations back from implementing private GP services. Let's address them.
"It's too expensive" misses the true calculation. Consider the real cost of inaccessible healthcare: absence, presenteeism, and turnover. Private GP services often cost less than two days of absence per employee annually. When you factor in productivity gains and reduced recruitment costs, the ROI becomes compelling.
"Employees won't use it" contradicts all evidence. Our experience delivering over 150,000 consultations annually proves that employees value and use quality healthcare when barriers are removed. Usage rates typically exceed expectations when services are genuinely accessible and well-communicated.
"It undermines the NHS" misunderstands the relationship. Private GP services complement NHS provision, reducing pressure on overstretched services whilst ensuring your employees get timely care. Many private GPs also work in the NHS, bringing the same expertise to both settings. By preventing minor issues escalating, private services actually help protect NHS resources for those who need them most.
"We already have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)" addresses a different need. EAPs serve a valuable purpose, but they're not clinical healthcare. Private GP services provide actual medical consultations, diagnoses, and treatment, filling a crucial gap in employee support that EAPs cannot address.
The future of workplace healthcare
As we look ahead, several trends will shape how organisations support employee health, and private GP services will play an increasingly important role.
Integrated wellbeing ecosystems are becoming the norm
Private GP services increasingly form part of comprehensive wellbeing strategies, linking with mental health support, physiotherapy, and preventative health programmes. This joined-up approach maximises impact whilst simplifying the employee experience.
Data-driven health insights inform better decisions
Aggregated, anonymised usage data helps organisations understand workforce health trends, enabling proactive interventions without compromising individual privacy. This strategic use of health data drives continuous improvement in workplace wellbeing.
Personalised health journeys meet individual needs
Technology enhancement ensures employees receive the right level of care at the right time, maximising both health outcomes and resource efficiency. This personalisation extends beyond clinical care to how services are accessed and delivered.
Global workforce support becomes essential
As remote work becomes permanent, private GP services that offer consistent care regardless of location become essential for multinational teams. The ability to provide equitable healthcare access across borders is increasingly valuable.
Taking action: your next steps
The question isn't whether your workforce needs better healthcare access, it's how quickly you can provide it. Here's your practical action plan to move from consideration to implementation.
First, audit your current situation properly. Calculate your organisation's absence rates and associated costs, including both direct costs and productivity losses. Look beyond the headline figures to understand patterns and causes. This baseline data will prove invaluable in demonstrating ROI later.
Next, engage stakeholders meaningfully. Discuss workforce health challenges with HR, senior leadership, and employee representatives. Understand the real impact of healthcare access issues from those experiencing them daily. Their insights will shape a more effective implementation.
Then explore options thoroughly. Not all private GP services are the same. Look for providers who understand workplace health, offer genuine flexibility, and can demonstrate clinical excellence. Ask for case studies from similar organisations and speak to existing clients about their experiences.
Start smart with a pilot approach. Consider piloting private GP services with a specific team or location to demonstrate value before organisation-wide rollout. This allows you to refine your approach based on real experience whilst building internal champions.
Finally, measure impact comprehensively. Track not just usage, but outcomes: absence rates, employee satisfaction, and productivity metrics. Be prepared to share success stories that demonstrate real value to both leadership and employees.
Your workforce deserves healthcare that works
Your employees shouldn't have to choose between their health and their work. With private GP services, they don't have to. By providing fast, flexible access to quality healthcare, you're not just reducing absence, you're building a workforce that's healthier, happier, and more productive.
At Verve Healthcare, we believe workplace health benefits should actually work. Our Private GP Appointments deliver exactly that: clinical healthcare that fits around your people's lives, not the other way around. Built on nearly 30 years of NHS experience and delivering over 150,000 consultations annually, we bring trusted expertise to every interaction.
The future of work demands a new approach to workplace health. Private GP services aren't just a benefit, they're an essential tool for building resilient, high-performing organisations. When your people can access healthcare without the stress, without the wait, and without compromising their work commitments, everybody wins.
Ready to transform how your workforce accesses healthcare? It's time to give your people flexible healthcare that prevents problems from getting worse. Explore our full range of health and wellbeing solutions or learn more about our flexible health assessments.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more productive workforce. Contact Verve Healthcare today to discover how our Private GP services can transform your employee healthcare experience.
Verve Healthcare: Clinical expertise. Flexible delivery. Real results.
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