Health benefits now as valuable as pay
New findings from Vitality have revealed a striking shift in employee priorities across SMEs within the UK tech sector, with health benefits now considered as important as salary.
The survey, which focused exclusively on employees working for SME tech companies, found over three in four (76%) believe access to benefits like private medical insurance (PMI) is as important as their level of pay. Yet, 37% of employees report receiving no healthcare or wellbeing support from their employer.
This disconnect is particularly significant in the context of talent retention and attraction. Over half (54%) of respondents said that access to health insurance would make them more likely to take a job or stay with their current employer. Among those already covered by PMI, this figure rises to 61%. The impact is even more pronounced among younger workers, with a whopping 95% of 18–34-year-olds saying health benefits would influence their decision to stay or accept a role.
Vitality’s findings further underscore the growing importance of health for people and preventive health support in the workplace. Employees cited a range of benefits that would positively influence their loyalty and job choices:
- 91% value easy access to a GP
- 86% want mental health support
- 86% seek burnout and stress management resources
- 85% prioritise access to physiotherapy
- 83% support workshops on physical and mental health
- 83% endorse line manager training on mental health conditions
Athos Rushovich, Director of Specialist Health Distribution at Vitality commented: "This data highlights a clear opportunity for SMEs to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Health benefits aren’t just a ‘nice to have’—they’re a strategic asset. At Vitality, we see the power of prevention in health every day, and the role supporting health and providing access to healthcare quickly, can play in helping employees stay healthy, which in turn makes them both more productive and engaged."
Notes to Editors:
*Research was conducted by Opinium for Vitality by 500 UK Tech and IT SME employees in January 2025.