Philadelphia, December 1, 2025
A new report from Vitable Health highlights a significant disconnect between small business employers and employees regarding healthcare access. The findings show that 40% of workers have delayed medical care due to costs, despite many employers believing their employees receive preventive care. Additionally, only 38% of employers offer mental health benefits, even as 16% of employees report stress impacting their job performance. The study emphasizes the crucial role of affordable healthcare in enhancing employee retention and productivity, urging businesses to reassess benefit offerings.
Philadelphia, PA — Small Businesses Face Hidden Health Crisis, New Index Warns
Philadelphia, PA — A recent report from Vitable Health reveals a widening gap between small business employers’ perceptions of healthcare benefits and their employees’ actual experiences, with affordability emerging as a decisive factor in retention, productivity, and long-term health outcomes.
Key Findings
- Employee Healthcare Access: 40% of workers skipped or postponed needed medical care in the past year, with nearly a quarter doing so multiple times. Cost was the primary barrier.
- Employer Confidence vs. Employee Reality: While nearly half of employers believe employees consistently receive preventive care, only two-thirds of workers had an annual checkup in the past year, and just 30% completed recommended screenings.
- Mental Health Support: About 16% of employees reported that stress or mental health issues regularly affect their job performance, and nearly 20% had difficulty accessing support. Only 38% of employers offer any mental health benefit.
- Impact on Productivity: Workers reported losing nearly five full workdays annually to absenteeism and working while sick, reflecting the operational cost of delayed or foregone care.
Implications for Small Businesses
The study underscores the critical role of affordable healthcare in employee retention and productivity. Employers are encouraged to reassess their benefit offerings to bridge the gap between perception and reality, ensuring that employees have access to necessary care without financial strain. The findings highlight the resilience of Philadelphia’s small businesses and their potential to foster a healthier workforce through enhanced healthcare access.
Background
The Small Business Benefits Index, conducted by YouGov, surveyed small business employers and employees across 15 industries between September and October 2025. The findings highlight systemic issues in healthcare access within small businesses, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to support both employers and employees effectively.
Recommendations
- Enhance Benefit Offerings: Employers should consider expanding healthcare benefits to include comprehensive preventive care and mental health support.
- Address Affordability: Implementing cost-effective healthcare solutions can alleviate financial barriers for employees seeking necessary care.
- Foster Open Communication: Encouraging transparent discussions about healthcare needs and options can help tailor benefits to employee requirements.
By proactively addressing these challenges, small businesses can improve employee well-being, enhance productivity, and strengthen their overall organizational health. This approach not only serves the employees’ needs but also bolsters the local economy by enabling greater workforce stability and engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of employees skipped or postponed needed medical care in the past year?
40% of workers skipped or postponed needed medical care in the past year, with nearly a quarter doing so multiple times. Cost was the primary barrier.
How many employers believe their employees consistently receive preventive care?
Nearly half of employers believe employees consistently receive preventive care, but only two-thirds of workers had an annual checkup in the past year, and just 30% completed recommended screenings.
What is the impact of delayed or foregone care on employee productivity?
Workers reported losing nearly five full workdays annually to absenteeism and working while sick, reflecting the operational cost of delayed or foregone care.
What is the Small Business Benefits Index?
The Small Business Benefits Index is a study conducted by YouGov, surveying small business employers and employees across 15 industries between September and October 2025, highlighting systemic issues in healthcare access within small businesses.
What are the recommendations for small businesses to improve employee healthcare access?
Recommendations include enhancing benefit offerings to include comprehensive preventive care and mental health support, addressing affordability by implementing cost-effective healthcare solutions, and fostering open communication about healthcare needs and options.
Key Features of the Report
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Employee Healthcare Access | 40% of workers skipped or postponed needed medical care in the past year, with nearly a quarter doing so multiple times. Cost was the primary barrier. |
| Employer Confidence vs. Employee Reality | Nearly half of employers believe employees consistently receive preventive care, but only two-thirds of workers had an annual checkup in the past year, and just 30% completed recommended screenings. |
| Mental Health Support | About 16% of employees reported that stress or mental health issues regularly affect their job performance, and nearly 20% had difficulty accessing support. Only 38% of employers offer any mental health benefit. |
| Impact on Productivity | Workers reported losing nearly five full workdays annually to absenteeism and working while sick, reflecting the operational cost of delayed or foregone care. |
| Recommendations | Enhance benefit offerings, address affordability, and foster open communication to improve employee healthcare access. |
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