20 May 2019
Find out how Rochdale-based tech firm Zen has been addressing
the unique healthcare requirements of its staff
‘We believe putting our people first is the best way of doing business and our staff wellbeing is a fundamental part of this,’ says Rachel Whiteley, HR Business Partner at Zen, an internet service provider in Rochdale. ‘We know that everyone has varying needs of support, and we try our best to cater for that.’
Offering staff two of Benenden Health’s healthcare schemes
has been central to Zen achieving this goal. Since 2017, employees have been
making good use of the Healthcare for Business package, which gives them access
to private consultations, treatment and surgery, physiotherapy sessions and
24/7 GP and mental health helplines.
Health Cash Plan for Business meanwhile rewards staff by
giving money back towards the cost of everyday medical expenses, including
dentist and optician fees.
‘It’s been a massive success,’ Rachel says. ‘Staff really
appreciate having access to healthcare that supports them in everyday
situations, as well as in those more serious times greater help and advice is
needed. During periods of worry, it’s good to know that you can access professionals
who can give you answers quickly.’
When first looking into healthcare options for staff, Zen
knew they wanted a package that would be available for all 500 employees. ‘This
level of healthcare can often be associated with hierarchy,’ Rachel explains,
‘so being able to offer wellbeing support across the board is very important to
us at Zen.’
Private medical schemes often come with medical assessments,
which Zen was keen to avoid. ‘There was a lot of emphasis on medical history,’
says Rachel, ‘but with Benenden Health it didn’t matter that people had
previous history. We wanted to support employees regardless of their historic
ailments.’
Likewise, privacy was a top priority. Zen had previously
offered physiotherapy sessions to staff, but the process required employees to
approach their managers, which some individuals were reluctant to do.
‘With the cash plan, people maintain their privacy and can
get access to physio and counselling at a time that is convenient to them,’
Rachel says. ‘Even with everyday injuries such as strains, employees can now
take control of seeking the help they need for themselves.’
Choosing Benenden Health has also allowed Zen to consider
the specific needs of their staff, tailoring the cash plan accordingly. ‘We are
very mindful that a number of our roles are highly dependent on desk-based
work,’ Rachel explains. ‘That has a big impact on muscles and posture, and we
had a significant uptake on treatments such as physio and reflexology. To
reflect this we customised the cash plan, giving staff access to what they need
most.’
It was also important to Zen that employees could access
Benenden Health’s benefits quickly and easily. The cash plan offers an online
portal where staff can instantaneously upload claims.
There is still, however, a strong human component to Zen’s
relationship with Benenden Health. ‘Ross, our Account Manager at Benenden
Health, has been great,’ Rachel says. ‘He comes in once a quarter and sets up
meetings with the HR team to go through any feedback we have and look at ways
to improve the service. He then speaks to the team, answering any questions
they might have, and introduces new staff to the services they offer.’
Most importantly, Rachel explains, is that Benenden Health
and Zen share many of the same principles. ‘The values Benenden Health hold are
close to our own,’ she says. ‘We know that they are up front and very honest.
They are passionate about what they do and are open to talking about Benenden
Health as a company and not just about the products they offer.’
The Benenden Healthcare Society Limited
Website
T: 0870 7545890
Holgat Park Drive
YO26 4GG
York, North Yorkshire
United Kingdom
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