As our country climbs out of one of the deepest recessions it has ever seen, it’s important to reflect on how this has changed the shape of the modern workplace.

How have companies evolved and have important lessons been learned?

The financial crisis began in April 2008 with the UK economy officially bouncing back to pre-recession levels last year.

While the recession affected many different aspects of the economy and businesses across the UK, employee wellbeing was something that took a major hit, as many companies prioritised simply remaining afloat.

During times of financial strain one of the biggest problems that face employers is maintaining their commitment to the health and wellbeing of their workforce.

As a result many experts have suggested that employees didn’t feel particularly valued by their employers during the recession.

And this was backed up by a recent Ipsos Mori survey which reported that during the years 2006-2012, employee motivation, wellbeing in the workplace and development, all fell by nearly a fifth.

Despite this, some canny companies were able to find alternative ways to motivate their workforce and ensure their wellbeing.

Offering competitive salaries, attractive training programmes, or pricy PMI policies during the financial crisis was clearly a step too far for most, however, some savvy businesses soon realised that providing health cash plans for their employees offered a cost effective solution to the problem of safeguarding employees health and wellbeing, when finances are stretched.

Health cash plans, which cover a range of medical treatments from basic dental and optical check-ups to more specialist treatments like physiotherapy, act as cost-effective way to support employees’ wellbeing - something that is particularly relevant during tough financial times. Moreover, they are renowned for boosting motivation in the workforce and offering peace of mind to employees.

Interestingly, a recent Laing & Buisson report stated that the number of company-funded health cash plans increased by 13.5 per cent in 2011, during the heart of the recession.

The rise in health cash plans during the recession once again proved their value. Rather than being perceived as a luxury or perk, health insurance has emerged as an essential tool for keeping employees healthy and motivated.

And the lessons learned from this period shouldn’t end now. Employers must continue to maintain the health and wellbeing of their staff even now that our economy is in a state of recovery.

For more information visit www.plutushealth.co.uk or call Freephone 0808 178 1179.