The evolution of workplace health benefits is a testament to the growing awareness and sensitivity towards diverse employee needs. From mental health support to fertility and menopause benefits, employers have increasingly embraced a holistic approach to employee well-being over the past years. Now, with the recent announcement from WellTheory and Maven Clinic, there’s a compelling case that autoimmune benefits might just be the next significant frontier in employee health benefits.
Autoimmune diseases, affecting a substantial portion of the workforce, are becoming an unignorable issue. With over 100 different types of autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, their impact is far-reaching. Statistically, they disproportionately affect women and minorities – a crucial point given the increasing diversity in the workplace. As noted in the WellTheory-Maven Clinic partnership, which gives Maven employees free access to WellTheory’s evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle coaching platform, 80% of autoimmune patients are women, with some conditions being up to 16 times more common in women than men.
Just as menopause and fertility benefits were once overlooked but are now gaining traction, autoimmune benefits could be on a similar trajectory. These benefits recognize and address specific health challenges that significantly impact employees’ lives and productivity. Like fertility and menopause, autoimmune diseases can severely affect an individual’s quality of life and work performance. Yet, they have not received the same level of attention in employee health programs.
Incorporating autoimmune benefits is not just a matter of health equity; it also makes sound business sense. The WellTheory & Maven initiative highlights key elements like comprehensive care, personalized treatment, and high-touch ongoing guidance. Such a program can lead to improved employee health outcomes, reduced absenteeism, and potentially lower healthcare costs in the long run. By addressing autoimmune diseases proactively, companies can foster a healthier, more productive workforce, and position themselves as employers of choice for a diverse talent pool.
As promising as all of this sounds, reality is that the path to widespread adoption of autoimmune benefits is likely also not going to be without challenges. There is a need for greater awareness about autoimmune diseases and their impact on the workforce. Additionally, tailoring these benefits to meet diverse employee needs requires careful planning and resources.
Undoubtedly autoimmune benefits represent an essential step towards more inclusive and comprehensive workplace health initiatives. As companies like WellTheory and Maven Clinic pave the way, it’s likely that we will see a growing number of employers recognizing the value of these benefits. Just as menopause and fertility benefits have become a standard, could autoimmune benefits have the potential to become the next big thing in employee health and wellness programs?
We’ll keep a close eye on this development for sure.
