By Canoe Benefits
Many of us are used to thinking of health care as something we turn to only when there’s a problem. But in recent years, more organizations are shifting this mindset by adding preventive care to their employee benefits. Instead of waiting until an issue becomes serious, preventive care focuses on helping people stay healthy and catching concerns early.
Preventive care can include annual check-ups, routine screenings, vaccinations, dental cleanings, and support for healthy living. By encouraging these steps, organizations can help employees feel their best and avoid future complications.
Why Preventive Care Matters
Including preventive care in group benefits does more than support individual health. It can also help reduce long-term costs, lower absenteeism, and create a more productive work environment. Healthy teams are better equipped to stay focused and engaged, and they often feel more confident knowing they have support before a crisis happens.
Adding these options can also make employee benefits feel more approachable. Clear information helps employees see how small, proactive steps can make a big difference in their daily lives and feel more confident using their benefits.
If you’re thinking about how to include more preventive care in your plan, your Canoe Benefits advisor can help you explore options that fit your team’s needs.
Shifting Employee Expectations
Today’s employees are looking for benefits that support them beyond the basics. There is a growing interest in mental health support, nutrition counseling, fitness resources, and other tools that help them live well.
Offering these options as part of your employee benefits can show that your organization values each person as more than just a worker. It helps build trust and demonstrates that the company is invested in employees’ overall well-being.
Creating this kind of supportive environment can also help attract and keep great people. Employees want to feel seen and supported, and a strong focus on preventive care is one way to deliver that message.
Making Group Benefits Easier to Use
Group benefits only work when employees know what is available and feel comfortable using them. Clear, ongoing communication is key.
Consider simple strategies like:
- Sharing seasonal reminders about covered services, such as check-ups or flu shots
- Providing easy-to-read guides that outline preventive services
- Hosting education sessions to answer common questions and explain how to get started
Small actions like these help employees feel more confident in taking charge of their health.
If you need help planning communication or creating materials, your Canoe advisor can offer support and resources.
Creating a Wellness-Focused Culture
Preventive care is most effective when it is part of a bigger wellness culture. Encouraging employees to prioritize their health, offering flexible schedules for appointments, and promoting healthy habits at work all help create a positive environment.
Whether it’s introducing walking meetings, adding healthier snack options, or sharing wellness challenges, these actions show that health is a shared value in your workplace.
International Youth Day: Supporting Young People
On August 12, we recognize International Youth Day. This is a chance to highlight the importance of supporting young people, both in our communities and at home.
For employees with children or teens, preventive care can include family-focused services like vaccinations, dental care, and mental health support. Encouraging families to use these services helps build healthy habits early and shows that benefits extend beyond just the employee.
Looking for resources for families or family-focused wellness tips for your internal communications? Your Canoe advisor can help you get started.
The Bigger Picture
Adding preventive care to group benefits is a smart move for both organizations and employees. It helps create a culture where health is a priority, builds trust, and supports long-term well-being.
Taking the time to communicate these services clearly and encourage their use can make a big difference in how employees feel about their workplace.
To explore new ideas or improve your current employee benefits strategy, connect with your Canoe Benefits advisor. Together, you can create a plan that supports health today and into the future.
