Dental benefits can help reduce employee sickness and absence while also improving morale and recruitment, new research says.
According to Simplyhealth's Annual Dental Survey 2010, HR managers now place a significant value on these benefits.
The private health and employee benefits provider's report shows that two thirds (66%) of companies believe dental benefits reduce sickness absence, a number that has more than doubled since 2008 (30%), and a further two thirds believe they improve morale and aid recruitment and retention.
It also found that 39% of people are now struggling to find an NHS dentist, which has grown steadily from 23% in 2008 and 35% in 2009.
Recognising this issue, more HR managers state they would implement dental benefits now out of concern for the oral health of employees (49% up from 41% in 2008).
A further, 74% believe it is the responsibility of companies to look after the oral health of the workforce.
However, 71% of employers believe it is too expensive.
James Glover from Simplyhealth thinks dental benefits have a demonstrable value.
He says: "37% of companies surveyed with dental benefits have found it easier to control time off for dental appointments, 41% have seen a reduction in time off due to dental health problems, and 47% have experienced an increase in employee engagement.
"It is evident that this benefit carefully strikes the balance between adding value to an employee wellbeing package while giving something back to the employer."
