The drive to look after employees has never been greater and underpins a continually increasing demand for our services
Market drivers
Overall, 2021 saw the continued acceleration of a core theme: the need for employers to improve their employee value propositions. The drive to look after employees, creating a real, positive impact on lives rather than as a ‘tick-box’ exercise has never been greater, and underpins a continually increasing demand for our services.
Key themes
Increased importance of employee health and wellbeing
2021 saw a widespread recognition of the role played by the employer in providing different forms of health and wellbeing support, with mental health provisions in particular emerging as one of the key growth areas.
Maintaining a team that is 'well' underpins a business's ongoing operations and is also increasingly seen to be part of the employer's moral responsibility.
Building resilient workforces
Living through a global pandemic has created a shift in the minds of many people; the thought they may become ill “someday” has been replaced by a realisation that it could happen “any day”. With this in mind, the Group’s health protection offerings have continued to resonate strongly.
We’ve seen sustained interest in our protection plans from employers who want to keep workers safe and productive, but a limited benefits budget means they are unable to provide cover for ill health. By partnering with Personal Group, clients can provide their staff with easy access to affordable individual policies at no extra cost to the employer.
Flexible working
Hybrid working is here to stay and HR managers are facing the challenge of a workforce that is more disconnected than ever. As such, using technology both to communicate with employees and to deliver wellbeing services has emerged as a key trend. As well as providing vital support, it also encourages continued participation with the business’s values and philosophy. The advantages of introducing a digital platform such as Hapi are therefore increasingly relevant.
Diversity and inclusion
The rise of flexible working has also posed a threat to the progress made by many businesses in terms of diversity and inclusion; businesses must now consider how they will preserve social equity in a disrupted environment. Throughout 2021 and heading into 2022, HR managers needed to think strategically about employee benefits and support and how they can make sure these provisions are reaching their people and providing meaningful support.
Our approach
Personal Group offers a uniquely holistic market proposition, spanning insurance, employee benefits, and reward consultancy, allowing us to address every sector of UK business and offer relevant, timely and price-appropriate services that help companies address these key themes.
