Many healthcare professionals are considering leaving their jobs due to dissatisfaction with their benefits packages. According to recent research by Zest, 62% of healthcare workers would resign if their employers don’t improve their benefits. The study further revealed that 87% of healthcare employees want their employers to enhance benefits offerings this year. However, these expectations are unlikely to be met, as only 18% of healthcare organisations plan to increase investment in employee benefits.
This lack of investment could lead to a substantial workforce exodus. Alongside the 62% of employees willing to leave for better benefits, 38% stated they would consider changing industries altogether.
The survey, which included responses from 2,000 UK employees and 872 HR decision-makers, revealed that financial support was a top priority for healthcare workers. Over 80% expressed a need for greater financial assistance in the workplace, much more than the 74% average across all industries. Increased pension contributions are the most sought-after benefit, cited by 45% of healthcare employees, yet only 18% of healthcare businesses currently provide this perk.
Additional desired benefit
Other highly desired benefits included private medical insurance (PMI) and wellbeing allowances, which are priorities for 38% and 30% of respondents, respectively. Moreover, two-thirds of healthcare professionals felt their current benefits packages were inadequate, marking the highest dissatisfaction across all sectors surveyed. Less than half (48%) believed their benefits offered good value for money, with only the education sector scoring lower.
Interestingly, the frustration among healthcare employees may not stem solely from a lack of benefits but also from poor communication regarding available perks. The study revealed an awareness gap, with only 60% of healthcare employees stating they knew exactly what benefits were available. In contrast, healthcare employers believe 99% of their workforce is fully informed about the benefits.
Are employers listening?
Furthermore, only 26% of healthcare workers felt their employer actively listened to their needs when shaping benefits packages, and 56% admitted they did not use most benefits. These findings suggest a disconnect between what employees want and what employers believe they are offering.
Matt Russell, chief executive officer of Zest, said: “Healthcare professionals are demanding increased financial support from their employer and aren’t afraid to move elsewhere to get it, even if that means switching to another sector. Given the existing pressures on the NHS, a talent drain could have catastrophic consequences.