Three-quarters (75 per cent) of women say they want or need benefits that specifically support women’s health, including services for fertility and menopause, according to a new survey by RBC Insurance.
The survey, which polled 1,000 working Canadians between the ages of 18 and 65, also found women were more likely than men to report that insufficient coverage amounts prevent them from accessing the care they need (31 per cent versus 22 per cent of men), difficulty securing appointments (25 per cent versus 17 per cent), rising costs and affordability (68 per cent versus 49 per cent) and mental-health issues like anxiety or depression (33 per cent versus 17 per cent) as barriers to improving their well-being.
In addition, more than half (54 per cent) of respondents or their spouses are living with a chronic condition, making access to care a critical component of overall well-being. However, 58 per cent of all respondents cited affordability as a key factor impacting their well-being and those with chronic conditions were more likely than other groups to identify rising costs and affordability issues.
Read: Half of plan members say coverage of certain benefits limits their ability to seek treatment: survey
Indeed, those managing physical (31 per cent), developmental (31 per cent) or mental health-related disabilities (28 per cent) said coverage amounts are often insufficient, resulting in out-of-pocket costs higher than they can justify.
“These findings are a call to action for employers and benefits providers alike, as there’s a real opportunity to close the gap between what employees need and what they receive,” said Tony Bruin, head of group benefits at RBC Insurance, in a press release. “The more an employer tailors and prioritizes more inclusive and relevant benefits solutions, the more they can truly support their employees.”
While generation Z and millennial respondents were most interested in making lifestyle changes to enhance their financial health, manage stress and achieve work-life balance, many respondents in these age groups reported barriers such as affordability (59 per cent), lack of motivation (44 per cent) and busy schedules (40 per cent).
In addition, the survey found a lack of awareness about coverage, with 20 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 34 unsure of their benefits, compared to just 13 per cent of those aged 35 to 54 and 12 per cent of those older than age 55.
“As the workforce becomes more diverse across age, gender and health needs, employers and group benefits providers have an opportunity to reimagine what modern support looks like,” says Bruin. “When employers focus on investing in more inclusive, tailored benefits, they can boost employee satisfaction while building healthier, more engaged teams.”
Read: Survey finds U.S. gen Z employees more likely to expect tailored benefits