Beyond claims: The real value of employee health and well-being benefits
By Tara Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Health Advocate
When considering the cost of employee health benefits, many organizations focus almost exclusively on direct medical and pharmacy claims, but that’s only part of the story. The real value of a well-rounded health and well-being strategy extends far beyond those numbers.
Today’s workforce is managing more than physical health. Mental health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, financial stress, and chronic conditions all affect how employees engage at work. Add to that the overwhelming complexity of navigating the healthcare system, and you’re looking at a hidden layer of stress that undermines productivity and morale.
Employees routinely spend time trying to understand their health insurance, find the right in-network providers, and resolve complex bills and denied claims. Coupled with other ongoing health and well-being challenges, this can create costly ripple effects including delayed care, absenteeism, presenteeism, burnout, and turnover.
When employees feel supported across all dimensions of well-being, they’re more likely to engage with valuable resources proactively. That means earlier interventions, better outcomes, and lower long-term costs, not to mention improved productivity and retention.
According to the Integrated Benefits Institute, U.S. employers lose over $575 billion each year in productivity due to poor employee health. Factor in the cost of replacing a single employee—up to two times their annual salary—and the business case for comprehensive well-being support becomes undeniable.
We need to reframe the conversation around ROI. The return isn’t just in dollars saved on claims, it’s higher engagement, improved outcomes, and increased resiliency. Investing in whole-person health through integrated advocacy, behavioral health, chronic condition support, and help navigating life’s daily challenges isn’t just the right thing to do. It’s a smart, strategic business decision.
Employee health is no longer just a benefit. In today’s workplace, it’s a business imperative.
Tara Kelly is the Chief Operating Officer at Health Advocate. To learn more about Health Advocate’s impactful solutions, please visit us at healthadvocate.com.