Somewhere in the UK at this very minute, a CEO is staring at their quarterly productivity report with a mixture of confusion and concern. The numbers don’t add up.
Despite investing in the latest technology, offering competitive salaries, and building a fantastic company culture, something’s dragging down performance. The culprit? It’s not market conditions or skill gaps. It’s something far more fundamental.
Your employees can’t get to see a doctor when they need one.
It sounds almost too simple to be true, yet the data is undeniable. UK businesses are haemorrhaging £103 billion annually due to health-related absence and presenteeism, according to the Institute for Public Policy Research. One hundred and three billion pounds. Every year. And it’s getting worse.
Here’s where it gets interesting. While some businesses continue to watch their productivity metrics flatline, others have discovered a solution that’s revolutionising how they approach employee health. They’re not waiting for the system to fix itself. They’re taking control.
Enter the world of private GP services for businesses, a solution that’s transforming workplace health from a cost centre into a competitive advantage.
Let’s talk about presenteeism. You know the scenario: employees who drag themselves to their desks despite feeling awful, spreading germs, making mistakes, and operating at a fraction of their usual capacity.
The latest research from AXA UK‘s Mind Health Study reveals that presenteeism costs UK businesses £57.4 billion annually. That’s more than double the £26 billion lost to actual sick days. Think about that for a moment. The people who show up sick cost you more than the ones who stay home.
Why does this happen? Often, it’s because employees can’t get timely medical advice. They hope their symptoms will improve, push through the discomfort, and by the time they finally see a GP (weeks later), a minor issue has become a major health problem.
Data from the Office for National Statistics paint a concerning picture: 148.9 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in 2024, with workers averaging 4.4 days lost. While multiple factors contribute to this, health issues (both physical and mental) play a significant role.
Consider these statistics: Centre for Mental Health research shows mental ill health costs England £300 billion annually, with £101 billion falling on businesses.
Deloitte
found that poor mental health costs UK employers £51 billion per year. Mental Health UK reports that approximately 630,000 people are economically inactive due to long-term sickness, with mental health being the main cause.
The interconnection between physical and mental health can’t be ignored. When employees can’t access healthcare for physical symptoms, anxiety builds. When mental health support requires months-long waiting lists, physical symptoms often follow. It’s a vicious cycle that traditional workplace health approaches simply aren’t equipped to break.
Before we go further, let’s be clear: the NHS provides exceptional care to millions and remains a cornerstone of UK society. It’s also facing unprecedented pressure, and that pressure is spilling over into workplaces across the country.
The last recorded data from NHS England on this tells a concerning story. Of the patients who tried, over half (52.7%) said it was easy to get through to their GP practice on the phone, a decrease of 14.9 percentage points compared with the year before (67.6%). Some 55.2% of patients were satisfied with the appointment times available to them, a decrease of 11.8 percentage points compared with 2021 (67.0%).
Geographic disparities make this worse. NHS data shows significant variation in access across different regions of the UK. For businesses with multiple locations, this creates a postcode lottery of employee healthcare access, with some areas experiencing far longer waits than others.
What happens when employees can’t see a GP promptly? The Nuffield Trust data shows that 12.7% of appointments occur 15-28 days after booking. While some are routine check-ups, many represent employees waiting weeks with undiagnosed conditions, untreated pain, or mounting anxiety about their symptoms.
These are the profound ripple effects:
Minor conditions escalate into major health issues
Employees self-medicate or ignore symptoms
Productivity drops as health concerns dominate thinking
Team morale suffers as colleagues cover for absent or underperforming staff
Recruitment becomes harder as your reputation for employee care diminishes it.
Here’s where sceptical finance directors sit up and take notice. Deloitte‘s research shows that for every £1 spent on employee mental health and wellbeing support, businesses see an average return of £4.70. That’s a 370% return on investment. Try finding that in the stock market.
And the financial benefits extend beyond this headline figure. Let’s break down the real savings:
Reduced absence costs:
The latest ONS data shows that 148.9 million working days were lost to sickness or injury in 2024, with workers averaging 4.4 days lost. Even a modest reduction delivers significant savings. Cutting absence by two days per employee could save a 100-person company over £20,000 annually.
Presenteeism reduction:
Remember that £57.4 billion presenteeism cost? Businesses providing quick healthcare access report dramatic reductions in employees working while sick. When people can get medical advice promptly, they’re more likely to take appropriate action, whether that’s a day’s rest or early treatment.
Retention improvements: Deloitte‘s research shows that poor mental health contributes significantly to staff turnover, costing UK employers billions annually. Companies that invest in employee health and wellbeing see improved retention rates. Replacing staff costs 10-30% of annual salary. In a 100-person company with average salaries, preventing five resignations annually could save £75,000-£225,000.
HMRC allows employers to provide one health-screening assessment and one medical check-up per employee per tax year without it being treated as a taxable benefit
. Additionally, employers can pay up to £500 for medical treatment to help employees return to work after 28 days’ absence without tax implications.
Yet surprisingly few businesses take full advantage of these exemptions. Those that do report they significantly offset the cost of private GP services, making the net investment remarkably affordable.
HMRC allows employers to provide one health-screening assessment and one medical check-up per employee per tax year
without it being treated as a taxable benefit.
Let’s examine what private GP services from Verve Healthcare actually deliver. At the core, it’s about removing barriers between your employees and the healthcare they need.
Verve Healthcare private GP services typically include:
Appointment availability:
Same-day or next-day consultations so that your employees can fit appointments around their schedules rather than the other way round, like is often the case with an NHS GP appointment.
Consultation length:
Private GP appointments are often 15-30 minutes versus the standard NHS 8-10 minutes. This allows for thorough examinations, detailed health discussions, and comprehensive treatment planning.
What really sets private GP services apart is their embrace of technology and modern healthcare approaches. Digital health records mean employees can access their medical information instantly. AI-powered symptom checkers help employees determine whether they need urgent care or can wait for a routine appointment.
Some services now offer:
Health monitoring via health assessments Preventive health programmes tailored to job roles
Mental health support
that goes beyond crisis management
Specialist access for complex conditions without lengthy referral chains
Health coaching to address lifestyle factors affecting performance
While physical health gets the headlines, it’s in mental health support where private GP services often deliver the most dramatic impact. With NHS mental health waiting lists stretching to months or even years in some areas, employees in crisis have nowhere to turn.
Verve Healthcare’s Verve On Demand service can provide immediate mental health support, from initial assessment through to treatment. They can prescribe medications, provide counselling referrals, and offer practical coping strategies, all without the stigma and delays of traditional routes.
The numbers are compelling. Poor workplace mental health cost the UK £102 billion in 2023 according to AXA UK research. But organisations providing accessible mental health support see significant improvements in productivity and reduced absenteeism.
Deloitte’s research reveals that 63% of employees show at least one sign of burnout. Traditional approaches wait until burnout becomes a crisis. Private GP services enable early intervention, catching warning signs before they escalate.
This proactive approach transforms workplace mental health from reactive crisis management to preventive wellbeing support. Employees learn to recognise their stress triggers, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and access support before reaching breaking point.
Introducing private GP services successfully requires thoughtful implementation that addresses employee concerns and maximises adoption.
Key considerations for smooth implementation:
Communication clarity:
Employees need to understand that private GP services complement, not replace, their NHS care. They remain registered with their NHS GP and can choose which service to use for different needs.
Privacy assurance:
Healthcare data sensitivity requires clear communication about confidentiality. Employees must trust that their medical information remains private from their employer.
Access equality:
Ensure all employees, regardless of location or working pattern, can access services equally. This might mean different solutions for office-based staff versus remote workers or shift teams.
Cultural integration:
Position private GP access as part of your broader commitment to employee wellbeing, not a standalone perk. Link it to your values and existing health initiatives.
The best private GP providers offer comprehensive reporting that helps you understand usage patterns and health trends without compromising individual privacy. Key metrics to track include:
Appointment utilisation rates
Average time from booking to consultation
Types of health issues addressed
Employee satisfaction scores
Reduction in NHS GP appointment time off
Changes in overall absence patterns
This data proves invaluable for demonstrating ROI to leadership and identifying areas where additional support might be needed.
Different industries face unique health challenges, and private GP services can adapt accordingly. Understanding these nuances helps in selecting the right provider and configuration.
Technology sector:
With distributed teams, irregular hours, and high-stress sprints, tech companies benefit from 24/7 virtual consultations and mental health support that understands the pressures of rapid scaling and constant innovation.
Financial services:
Where long hours and high-pressure environments are standard, weekend appointments and stress management programmes prove particularly valuable. Deloitte’s mental health research highlights that burnout is a significant issue across sectors, with 63% of employees showing at least one sign of burnout.
Manufacturing and logistics:
Shift workers need healthcare access outside traditional hours. Onsite health screenings and immediate injury assessment can prevent minor workplace incidents becoming major absence causes.
Public sector:
With average absence rates of 10.6 days versus private sector’s lower figures, public sector organisations find private GP services help level the playing field.
Private GP services are not only for large corporates.
Small businesses often see proportionally larger benefits.
Private GP services are not only for large corporates. Small businesses often see proportionally larger benefits. When you have 20 employees, one person off sick represents 5% of your workforce. Quick healthcare access protects against these disproportionate impacts.
Many providers now offer scaled solutions starting from three employees, with pay-per-use models that make costs predictable and manageable for smaller budgets.
At Verve Healthcare, we’ve spent nearly 30 years delivering GP services to the NHS. We’ve handled over 150,000 consultations and learned what works (and what doesn’t) in providing accessible, effective healthcare.
We’re clinicians who understand that behind every absence statistic is a real person trying to balance their health needs with work responsibilities. Our approach reflects this understanding.
What makes Verve Healthcare different?
Clinical credibility
: As a CQC-registered provider with deep NHS roots, we bring medical excellence to corporate healthcare. Our GPs are experienced in addressing the health challenges modern workers face.
True flexibility
: No rigid packages or long-term contracts. The service you start with may not be the same one you need on three months – our pay-as-you-go format means you pnly pay fo the services your customers actually use AND if you want to switch around the provision we have for you then it’s easy to change. Start with basic GP access and add services as needs emerge. Scale up during busy periods, adjust during quiet ones. Pay only for what your employees actually use.
Workplace understanding
: Our clinicians don’t just treat symptoms. They understand workplace contexts. They can advise on ergonomics, stress management, and practical adjustments that help employees thrive at work.
Integrated approach
: Private GP services work best as part of comprehensive workplace health support. We seamlessly integrate with health assessments, physiotherapy, mental health support, and occupational health services.
We believe workplace healthcare should evolve with modern work patterns. That’s why our services include:
Consultations that fit around international calls and flexible working
Health advice tailored to specific job roles and industries
Preventive programmes that address common workplace health risks
Support for managers dealing with team health challenges
Anonymous aggregated insights that inform workplace health strategies
Our pay-as-you-go Verve On Demand service means no monthly fees for unused services. It’s healthcare provision that makes financial sense while delivering exceptional care when your employees need it most.
Businesses implementing private GP services aren’t solving today’s problems. They’re positioning themselves for tomorrow’s challenges. As the war for talent intensifies, demonstrating genuine care for employee wellbeing becomes a crucial differentiator.
Consider the recruitment advantage. When candidates compare offers, salary is one factor. Increasingly, they’re asking about wellbeing support, healthcare access, and company culture. Being able to say “you’ll have access to a GP within 24 hours whenever you need one” sends a powerful message about your values.
The productivity gains compound over time. Healthy employees don’t take fewer sick days. They’re more engaged, creative, and resilient. They handle workplace stress better, recover from setbacks faster, and contribute more effectively to team success.
The trends are clear. NHS pressures will likely continue, mental health challenges aren’t disappearing, and employee expectations of workplace support keep rising. Businesses that act now create sustainable advantages that become harder for competitors to match over time.
Forward-thinking organisations are already exploring how private GP services can support:
Hybrid working models where employees need healthcare access from multiple locations
International teams requiring consistent health support across borders
Ageing workforces with increasing health needs
Younger employees who expect digital-first, on-demand services
Private GP services deliver measurable ROI
while transforming employee experience.
The evidence is overwhelming. Verve Healthcare’s GP servicescan deliver measurable ROI while transforming employee experience. The question isn’t whether to provide this support, but how quickly you can implement it effectively.
Start by assessing your current situation:
What are your absence rates and trends?
How much is presenteeism costing you?
What healthcare challenges do your employees face?
How does your wellbeing support compare to competitors?
Then explore your options. Look for providers who understand your industry, offer genuine flexibility, and can demonstrate clinical excellence. Ask about integration with existing benefits, implementation support, and ongoing service development.
Remember, perfect is the enemy of good. Starting with basic private GP access and expanding based on employee feedback often works better than launching comprehensive programmes that might miss the mark.
The UK businesses thriving in 2025 aren’t leaving employee health to chance. They’re taking control, providing the healthcare access their people need, and reaping the rewards in productivity, retention, and reputation.
At Verve Healthcare, we’re ready to help you join them. Our clinical experts and workplace health specialists understand the challenges you face and have the solutions to address them. With nearly 30 years of NHS experience, over 150,000 consultations delivered, and a genuine commitment to workplace wellbeing, we’re the partner you can trust.
Don’t wait for the next absence crisis or productivity report to highlight what you already know. Your employees need better healthcare access, and your business needs healthy employees.
Take the first step towards a healthier, more productive workforce. Get in touch today to discover how our flexible, clinically-led private GP services can transform your workplace health provision. Because when it comes to employee wellbeing, good intentions aren’t enough. You need solutions that actually work.
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