The opioid epidemic continues to ravage communities across America, taking over 41 lives per day and costing billions in lost productivity and increased healthcare expenses. As employers seek solutions to keep their workforce safe and productive, virtual physical therapy has emerged as an innovative approach.

When employees require surgery, the costs to employers can be immense—not only the direct medical bills but also lost productivity from time off work. However, a growing number of employers are realizing that many recommended surgeries may be unnecessary. By offering employees access to second opinion consultations through virtual health partners, employers can enjoy significant savings per avoided surgery while improving worker health outcomes.

In its Health Coverage in the United States: 2022 report, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that employer-based insurance was the most common type of coverage, covering 54.5% of working-age adults.

In the wake of COVID-19, U.S. life expectancy has dropped to 76.4 years, the lowest in two decades. But employers can help add a dozen healthy years to their employees' lives by rethinking their approach to healthcare benefits.

A recent surge in on-demand pay benefits offers employers a powerful tool to reduce employee financial stress. With workers increasingly squeezed by economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living, the ability to access wages immediately is becoming a highly sought-after benefit. Offering this perk can boost worker loyalty, motivation, and productivity.