Virtual GP services make accessing healthcare quicker and easier for employees, improving their wellbeing and reducing workplace absences. These services allow employees to consult licensed doctors remotely via video, phone, or online messaging, often within 24 hours. Here's why they matter:
- Save Time: Employees avoid long waits and travel for appointments, with consultations lasting just 15–20 minutes.
- Reduce Sick Days: Early intervention prevents minor issues from escalating, cutting down absences.
- Boost Productivity: Employees can address health concerns without taking extended time off.
- Support Mental Health: Flexible access to mental health consultations helps tackle stress and anxiety.
- Preventive Care: Virtual GPs offer health assessments, flag risks early, and provide referrals for specialist care.
For employers, offering virtual GP services can save costs, attract talent, and keep teams healthy and productive. With 42% of organisations already including them in benefits packages, they’re becoming a must-have for workplace wellbeing.
How Virtual GP Services Improve Employee Wellbeing
Reducing Time Off Work and Sick Days
Virtual GP services play a key role in cutting down workplace absences by minimising the time employees spend away from their jobs for medical appointments and illnesses. In the UK alone, 186.5 million working days were lost in 2022 due to illness or injury, with minor illnesses making up nearly 30% of these absences[2][1].
Traditional in-person appointments often involve long waiting times and travel, but virtual consultations typically last just 15–20 minutes[3]. This shorter, remote format allows employees to address health concerns quickly and return to work sooner, preventing minor issues from escalating into more serious problems.
For employers, the benefits extend beyond just reducing absences. Research shows that investing in virtual health services can save businesses between £240 and £1,200 per emergency visit avoided through early intervention[4]. These savings aren't just about cutting medical costs - they also translate into improved productivity. By addressing health concerns early, virtual GP services encourage better overall health management, creating a healthier and more efficient workforce.
Better Access to Preventive Healthcare
One of the standout advantages of virtual GP services is how they make preventive healthcare more accessible and convenient. This ease of access encourages employees to seek help early, reducing the likelihood of minor issues developing into more serious conditions. In fact, 38% of people say that virtual GP services enhance their mental wellbeing by providing streamlined access to care[3].
Virtual GPs offer more than just immediate consultations. They can perform in-depth health assessments, flag potential risks early, and provide ongoing support to help individuals maintain healthier lifestyles[1]. Additionally, they can arrange specialist referrals for concerns like mental health or weight management, making it easier for employees to get the targeted care they need. This proactive approach not only simplifies treatment but also ensures minimal disruption to daily routines.
"The service was fantastic. I booked an appointment and had my prescription ready within a day. It's such a convenient service." – Patient, Doctor Care Anywhere [1]
Many virtual GP providers also bundle in extra wellbeing resources, offering employees a comprehensive toolkit to support long-term health and preventive care.
Mental Health Support
Virtual GP services aren't just about physical health - they also provide crucial support for mental wellbeing. With mental health challenges costing the UK an estimated £300 billion annually - almost double the NHS budget[2] - accessible mental health services are more important than ever. Yet, while only 15% of employees rate their health-related benefits as excellent, a significant 79% use mental health and wellbeing support when it's available to them[2].
These services offer flexible options for mental health consultations, including video calls, phone appointments, and messaging[2]. This flexibility ensures employees can access help when they need it most, preventing minor mental health concerns from spiralling into serious conditions that could lead to extended absences. Regular check-ins with virtual GPs also provide personalised, ongoing support, helping to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of wellbeing.
How to Set Up Virtual GP Services in Your Company
Understanding What Your Employees Need
Before diving into provider options, it's essential to get a clear sense of your employees' health and wellbeing priorities. Many companies have room to improve when it comes to supporting employee healthcare.
Start by analysing sickness data to identify common health concerns. Combine this with direct input from your workforce - whether through anonymous surveys or focus groups - to uncover specific challenges they face, such as delays in accessing NHS services, mental health support gaps, or difficulties scheduling appointments. As Dave Middleton of AMII points out, "Employees expect healthcare" [5]. High usage rates of both mental and physical health services [2] highlight the importance of tailoring benefits to meet actual needs.
Demographics also play a role. Research shows that men are 9% more likely than women to choose video GP appointments, often due to the convenience and privacy they provide [4]. Recognising these differences allows you to fine-tune both your benefits and communication strategies.
Customising health benefits to match your workforce's needs and your organisation’s budget is key [5]. For a well-rounded approach, consider pairing a virtual GP service with an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) [5]. Once you’ve gathered these insights, you’ll be ready to choose a provider that aligns with your employees' priorities.
Selecting the Right Provider
Choosing the best virtual GP provider requires careful consideration across several key areas. First and foremost, prioritise safety and quality. Ensure the platform complies with DCB0129 standards for clinical risk management [6]. Neglecting safety checks can expose employees to risks and harm.
Security and governance are equally critical. Verify that the provider meets all necessary standards and avoids using patient data for commercial purposes [6]. Transparency here is non-negotiable.
When assessing providers, dig into the details of how their service operates. Ask about data security measures, how to raise concerns, and the cost of consultations, treatments, or prescriptions [7]. For UK-based services, confirm that all practitioners are registered with the General Medical Council (GMC) [7].
Practical service delivery is another factor to evaluate. Providers should clearly communicate details about prescribed medications, including their purpose, usage instructions, potential side effects, and interactions with other drugs [7]. Additionally, find out who reviews test results, how results are shared with patients, and what follow-up support is available [7].
Lastly, integration with your existing systems is vital. The provider should be able to work seamlessly with tools like scheduling software, patient records, and billing systems [8]. Platforms like Perkwise can help by offering side-by-side comparisons, user reviews, and expert insights to guide your decision-making.
Once you've chosen a provider that meets your safety, security, and integration needs, the next step is to introduce the service to your employees effectively.
Telling Employees About the Service
To make virtual GP services a success, clear communication and engagement are crucial. Research shows that up to 85% of employees feel most motivated when they’re regularly updated on company news and initiatives [9]. This highlights how vital it is to communicate effectively when rolling out new services.
Run awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of virtual GP services, such as shorter waiting times, the convenience of remote consultations, and the ability to address health concerns without needing extended time off work [4]. Use existing communication tools like email or Microsoft Teams to share service details [10]. Supplement this with FAQs, video tutorials, and quick-reference guides to make the service easy to understand.
To encourage participation, consider offering incentives. For example, you could provide discounts on health insurance premiums or wellness rewards for employees who register and use the service [4]. Incentives can help overcome initial hesitation and show your commitment to supporting their health.
Organise onboarding sessions where employees can learn about the service in a supportive environment. Cover practical topics like booking appointments, what to expect during consultations, and how the service integrates with other healthcare options. Employees who feel connected to their workplace are 54% more likely to stay with their current employer, so fostering that sense of inclusion is key [9].
Finally, keep the momentum going with regular updates and progress reports. Weekly check-ins can help track usage, identify barriers, and gather feedback [10]. This ongoing communication allows you to make adjustments based on employee input, ensuring the service meets their needs and strengthens their overall wellbeing.
Measuring the Results of Virtual GP Services
Once your virtual GP service is up and running, it’s crucial to track how well it’s working. As Peter Drucker famously said, "What gets measured gets improved" [11]. Interestingly, only half of organisations currently take a strategic approach to employee wellbeing [11]. Yet, companies that do are far more likely to see positive outcomes [11]. By focusing on key metrics, you can gain valuable insights into how your service is performing and the difference it's making.
Monitoring Employee Usage
The first step in evaluation is understanding how employees are using the virtual GP service. Keep an eye on basic usage data like registration rates, the number of appointments booked, and how often consultations are taking place. However, these figures only tell part of the story. If engagement seems low, dig deeper. Use tools like anonymous surveys, focus groups, or even informal conversations between managers and employees to uncover potential barriers [11][15].
Performance management tools can make this process easier by automating data collection and feedback [15]. Regularly checking in on these metrics helps you identify whether employees are aware of the service, find it easy to use, or are running into challenges.
Measuring Wellbeing Improvements
While usage data shows how engaged employees are, the real impact lies in improvements to their wellbeing. Absenteeism rates, for instance, can be a clear indicator. With employee absences averaging 2.2% in 2021 [11], comparing your organisation’s numbers to industry benchmarks can highlight how effective the service is. Analysing absence data by team or department can also reveal which areas are benefiting the most [11].
Another important measure is employee satisfaction and stress levels. Studies show that a third of workers feel unhappy in their jobs, with three out of four saying it negatively affects their mental or physical health [11]. Regular engagement surveys can help track these trends, while turnover rates provide additional context about the success of your wellbeing initiatives [11].
Organisations with strong wellness programmes often report a 25% drop in absenteeism and a 14% boost in productivity [12]. These benchmarks are useful for assessing the impact of your virtual GP service.
Working Out the Return on Investment
To understand whether your virtual GP service is worth the investment, you’ll need to look at both financial and non-financial factors. Return on Investment (ROI) measures profitability by comparing costs to gains [13]. But it’s important to go beyond medical cost savings. Employee wellness programmes also improve productivity, morale, and job satisfaction - factors better captured by Value on Investment (VOI) [13].
Start by tracking direct cost savings. For example, US employers lose around £400 billion annually due to absenteeism and presenteeism [13]. Replacing an employee can cost anywhere from 20% to 213% of their annual salary [13]. Among employees participating in wellness programmes, 67% report higher satisfaction, 66% see increased productivity, 50% experience fewer absences, and 89% would recommend their workplace to others [13]. These benefits directly tie to improved wellbeing and productivity.
Additionally, monitor metrics like employee engagement, safety incidents, absenteeism, and turnover [13]. Conduct a pricing analysis to compare the costs of virtual consultations versus in-person visits for different appointment types [14]. By combining ROI and VOI, you can get a complete picture of the true impact of your virtual GP service [13].
Virtual GP Services as Employee Benefits
Virtual GP services are quickly becoming a key benefit for employees, tackling one of the biggest challenges UK businesses face today - ensuring workforce health and reducing absences. With many organisations now offering these services, the results are clear: fewer sick days and a healthier, more productive team.
Being able to access medical advice within 24 hours - rather than waiting weeks for an NHS appointment - has an immediate impact. Employees can address health concerns promptly, which not only keeps productivity on track but also promotes a culture where health is prioritised.
Beyond better health outcomes, these services offer reassurance. Having round-the-clock access to medical support helps to ease stress and anxiety. Plus, the convenience means employees no longer have to choose between their health and their work responsibilities. The time saved from avoiding long waits or unnecessary trips to the doctor can translate into tangible productivity gains for businesses.
For companies looking to introduce this benefit, there are tools to simplify the process. Platforms like Perkwise provide detailed reviews and side-by-side comparisons of virtual GP providers. With insights from user reviews and expert advice, businesses can easily identify the best option to meet their employees' needs.
In a competitive job market, offering virtual GP services is no longer a luxury - it’s becoming a necessity. They not only improve employee wellbeing but also play a crucial role in attracting and keeping top talent.
FAQs
How can virtual GP services help reduce sick days and boost workplace productivity?
Virtual GP services have become a game-changer for workplace productivity by offering employees quick and hassle-free access to healthcare. With consultations available over the phone or via video, employees can skip the long waits and travel often required for in-person GP visits. This means health concerns are addressed sooner, helping individuals recover faster and reducing the number of days lost to illness.
What’s more, many virtual GP services operate 24/7, giving employees the freedom to seek medical advice at a time that works best for them. This flexibility allows them to prioritise their health without disrupting their workday, striking a balance between wellbeing and productivity. By addressing issues early and keeping downtime to a minimum, virtual GP services help create a healthier, more motivated workforce.
What mental health support do virtual GP services offer, and how can they help employees manage stress and anxiety?
Virtual GP services in the UK are stepping up to provide a variety of mental health support options, making it easier for employees to address stress and anxiety. These services often connect individuals with qualified professionals, such as therapists or counsellors, through video consultations that can be arranged at a time that works best for them. This flexibility eliminates the frustration of long waits typically associated with traditional NHS appointments.
Many of these services also offer round-the-clock support, ensuring help is available whenever it's needed. This might include therapy sessions, practical advice on managing stress, or assistance with medication. By delivering care that's both timely and easy to access, virtual GP services are giving employees the tools they need to take charge of their mental health and feel genuinely supported throughout their journey.
What should employers look for in a virtual GP service to ensure it supports their team's health and wellbeing?
When selecting a virtual GP service, it's important for employers to prioritise a few critical aspects to ensure it effectively supports their team. Accessibility should be at the top of the list - look for services that offer a mix of video, phone, and messaging consultations. This flexibility allows employees to choose what works best for their schedules and comfort levels.
Another key consideration is data security. Providers must adhere to stringent data protection regulations to keep employee information safe and confidential.
It's also worth examining the range of services on offer. A service that goes beyond general consultations - such as including mental health support and specialist referrals - can address a broader spectrum of health needs. Lastly, don't overlook the value of employee feedback. Understanding their preferences and requirements can help you choose a service that genuinely enhances their wellbeing and fits seamlessly into their lives.