5 Ways Accessible Healthcare Helps Build a Resilient Workforce

Did you know 42% of working-age adults were underinsured or uninsured in 2023? Access to comprehensive benefits is one foundational step to building a resilient workforce, enabling your team to be more present, creative and able to handle workplace curveballs with less anxiety and more confidence.

For a business owner, this translates to a more stable, engaged and agile workforce. At Next PR, we believe comprehensive healthcare is not just a luxury – it's a necessity, and it’s a benefit to not only ensure our team’s health, but our strength. Accessible healthcare isn’t just about being sick or needing a few stitches; it’s about a more holistic and healthier work-life experience and easing the woes of our high-stress industry.

Here are five reasons why accessible healthcare fosters resilience in our workforce:

1. Physical Health

Stress takes a toll on the body! It shows itself in physical symptoms such as headaches, reoccurring illnesses, sleep problems and much more. When our teammates have access to healthcare and the flexibility to use telehealth or flex time for an office visit, they can combat symptoms of stress as soon as possible. This ability to get to the doctor without the stress of “making it work” leads to not only better long-term physical health but a more engaged and present workforce.

2. Mental Health

Mental health really should have taken the top spot. Supporting mental health is critical in preventing and healing from burnout, and that’s why we empower our team to explore what their “work/life” needs are. By offering accessible mental health resources and ensuring our health plans cover mental health in-office and e-visits and prescription costs, we aim to foster an environment where our team feels valued and supported to seek assistance and thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

3. Stress Management and Employee Well-Being

Comprehensive healthcare coverage goes beyond being sick – it’s about learning the skills to stay well. Our teammates have access to preventive care and wellness programs. They can engage in coursework to manage stress more effectively, learn healthy habits or even learn different communication styles, enabling them to take proactive steps toward maintaining their well-being. These support systems provide the tools and resources needed to practice wellness consistently and sustainably, creating a workplace where self-care is prioritized (and deleting Microsoft Teams when you’re on vacation is applauded!)

4. Employee Assistance Programs

Diverse needs often require diverse solutions. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides our teammates with access to a wide array of professionals and community resources. It allows our teammates access to services like crisis counseling to assistance finding childcare or even financial or legal counsel and so much more. Offering a service to provide well-rounded support mechanisms ensures our team members can address challenges from multiple angles and stay resilient through difficult times (just like they do for our clients!)

5. Employee Retention

When a company truly sees its staff as whole people, not just employees, it fosters loyalty. Accessible and comprehensive healthcare benefits send a clear message: We care about your well-being, and frankly, we care about you.

At Next PR, we may just be one company participating in the complex healthcare landscape, but we’re proud to do our part in supporting our team to our fullest ability. By ensuring our teammates have access to comprehensive healthcare, we’re not only helping them through everyday challenges – we’re walking alongside them through every stage of life, grief and wellness – together. We’re building a resilient team who’s ready for anything – who can feel confident and comfortable thinking they’re in the right place for the long haul.