Unum data links digital health access to reduced sickness absence

• 75% of surveyed Help@hand users said their health concerns were resolved faster than if they had booked elsewhere.
• 63% who used the remote GP service said it reduced their time off work.
• 84% felt supported with guidance on next steps.

Specialist employee benefits provider, Unum UK, has released new data demonstrating the measurable impact of its Help@hand app in reducing sickness absence and restoring lost productivity for UK employers. The findings highlight how digital services are directly supporting national efforts to tackle the UK’s workforce health crisis, as outlined in the Keep Britain Working review.  

The survey of Help@hand users¹ reveals that the app is making a measurable difference to employee wellbeing and output. Three-quarters of those surveyed said their health concerns were resolved more quickly than if they had booked care elsewhere. Among those using the remote GP service, nearly two-thirds (63%) reported taking less time off as a result, and 12% would have taken time off had they not seen a doctor. Importantly, 84% of all surveyed users felt supported with guidance on next steps, while almost two-thirds reported improved confidence in managing their health and wellbeing.

Saumya Barber, Head of Proposition Development at Unum UK, said: “UK sickness absence is at its highest in 15 years, and employees are losing an average of 9.4 days annually - a 62% jump since before the pandemic. Our data shows a clear opportunity: high quality, digital health services like Help@hand from Unum close gaps in care, speed up recovery and help ease the growing economic strain of absence.

“Unum estimates that poor employee health costs SMEs over £28 billion every year in lost output. Help@hand connects physical, mental and lifestyle support together in one place, stopping small issues from becoming big problems. Every day saved from employee absence helps protect businesses’ productivity and strengthens the wider UK economy.”

The survey of Help@hand users shows that clinically robust digital health services can resolve health concerns faster, reduce absence and empower employees to manage their wellbeing proactively. This not only improves individual outcomes but also helps towards recovering the billions in lost output, making a tangible contribution to the Keep Britain Working agenda. 

“The Keep Britain Working review makes one thing clear: workforce health is now a national priority,” added Saumya. “With sickness absence at record highs, and winter viruses adding to the pressure, employers and policymakers are seeking urgent action. Now is the time to prioritise services like Help@hand so employees have fast access to health and wellbeing support. The sooner businesses act, the stronger their teams - and the economy - will be.”

^{1 Survey of 826 Help@hand users who attended a 1-2-1 consultation in August or September 2025. Survey conducted by Unum during fieldwork period of 25th September to 5th November 2025.}