Management Consulting

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Aon conducted a study revealing significant shifts in employee benefits offerings among companies in India. The report highlighted a 51 percent increase in the number of companies providing outpatient department (OPD) benefits compared to 2019, with notable growth in the hi-tech and consulting sectors, where the provision of these benefits more than doubled and tripled, respectively. This increase reflects a response to rising employee expectations and a volatile business environment, prompting employers to enhance their understanding of primary healthcare benefits. The tailored solutions identified in the report included a comprehensive approach to primary care, with 88 percent of companies offering consultations with doctors, 83 percent providing dental benefits, and 80 percent including diagnostic services such as X-rays and MRIs. Additionally, companies expanded their offerings to include holistic benefits like pharmacy services (77 percent), vision care (60 percent), and physiotherapy (43 percent). These enhancements not only improved employee health but also contributed to a reduction in claims and overall employee benefits costs. The study also noted that 80 percent of employers increased their spending on wellbeing initiatives, with 67 percent acknowledging the direct impact of unhealthy employees on business financials. Furthermore, 82 percent recognized the potential influence of mental health on business outcomes. Employers expressed a strong desire for integrated solutions, with 81 percent seeking a single-window approach to manage their benefits programs. The report underscored the importance of leveraging data and insights to build a resilient workforce capable of thriving in uncertain times, emphasizing the need for innovative and optimized benefits offerings to address the evolving challenges faced by employees.