Although the current post-Covid economy is heating up, the pool of competent candidates is getting ever smaller. To attract and retain competent workers, organizations are providing benefits and perks for their employees. It’s important to keep in mind that so called “perks” are a type of investment for a company. A well-run organization will provide benefits only when the value brought to the company will outweigh the cost of the benefits provided.
In theory, perks are a great idea, but sometimes they are designed to blur the line between work and your personal life. The intent is to squeeze as much out of an employee as possible to support the bottom line. One example is corporate provided health insurance. According to https://www.wolterskluwer.com, corporate health insurance is a great retention tool, “many employers choose to offer health benefits so they can take advantage of less expensive health insurance for themselves in addition to the tax breaks for contributions made by the business.” This is an example of a win-win for both employers and employees.
On the other hand, some companies have tried to cut the cost of rising health insurance plans by offering “on-site health care.” This can be anything from full-services gyms with classes to medical facilities that provide a variety of services. As mentioned in a previous post, full-service gyms are a great way for employees to network while improving their health, which ultimately leads to greater productivity. However, on-site health clinics give rise to certain privacy issues, to include:
- On-site health clinics blur the line between your professional and your personal life. In an office, we are taught to assume that nothing is sacred and HR knows all. If the on-site medical clinic is paid for by your company, there is always a possibility that private health information could be shared with your employer. This can create an atmosphere of paranoia. Let’s face it, no one wants to take the risk of their manager or subordinate learning about the result of an STD test or a prostate exam.
- Your employer can use your data to assess medical costs and make HR decisions. For example, in the post-COVID world, lots of employers will require proof of vaccination. Some employees may interpret this policy as an invasion of privacy. Furthermore, your employer may use this information to give you an ultimatum, either get vaccinated at work or leave the company.
In the final analysis, company perks are an investment to maximize corporate profits. Always remember to ask, how does this perk benefit me as well as the company?
The following articles may provide further insight on this topic:
https://www.protocol.com/tech-coronavirus-private-health-clinics
https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/expert-insights/should-you-offer-employees-health-care-benefits
Onsite clinics: 6 benefits for your employees and bottom line
All of us here at Total Rebrand wish you the best in your future endeavors. Please remember to periodically check our websites for updates, new tools, and advice in helping you find the best job that will maximize both your wealth as well as your health. Happy job hunting!