With health benefit costs projected to rise 5.8% in 2025 for the third consecutive year, employers are facing a challenging healthcare landscape (Mercer, 2024). As businesses seek cost-effective ways to support employee well-being, onsite health clinics remain a strategic solution. Here are five compelling reasons why launching an onsite clinic should be part of your company’s 2025 strategy.
1. Manage Rising Healthcare Costs
Employers expect health benefit expenses to rise faster than they have in the past decade, driven by inflation, rising pharmacy costs, and complex treatments for chronic conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease (Business Group on Health, 2024). Onsite clinics help control costs by offering preventive care, reducing reliance on high-cost emergency room visits, and providing timely treatments—all of which can lower healthcare spending over time.
2. Improve Employee Health & Productivity
Preventive services such as health screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management are essential to keeping employees healthy and productive. Onsite clinics make these services convenient and accessible, encouraging employees to seek care early and avoid costly complications. As cancer and cardiovascular disease remain top healthcare cost drivers, early intervention through onsite clinics can be life-changing (Business Group on Health, 2024).
3. Attract & Retain Talent
Health benefits play a crucial role in attracting and retaining top talent. 89% of Americans prefer obtaining health coverage through their employer and 81% would rather receive employer-sponsored insurance than a government-provided plan (U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 2022). Offering onsite care can set your business apart as an employer of choice, demonstrating a commitment to employee well-being.
4. Reduce Absenteeism & Presenteeism
When healthcare services are easily accessible onsite, employees are more likely to address health concerns promptly—leading to fewer missed workdays and more productive hours on the job. Employees can schedule appointments during work hours, minimizing downtime while ensuring they receive the care they need.
5. Enhance Preventive Care & Chronic Disease Management
Preventive care is essential for mitigating long-term healthcare costs. Employers recognize that increased cancer screenings and preventive services can significantly reduce the burden of treating advanced diseases (Business Group on Health, 2024). Onsite clinics streamline care by offering personalized treatment plans, fostering continuity of care, and reducing long-term healthcare risks.
Planning Ahead for a Healthier Workforce
Implementing an onsite clinic requires careful consideration of your workforce's needs, facility requirements, and service offerings. By beginning the process early, you can ensure a smooth launch and maximum impact. About half of employers (53%) will make cost-cutting changes to their plans in 2025 (Mercer, 2024). Will you be one of them? Now is the time to consider how an onsite clinic can strengthen your healthcare strategy, enhance productivity, and control costs in 2025 and beyond.
References
Business Group on Health. (2024, August 20). Business Group on Health Survey Reveals Almost 8% in Projected Health Care Trend for 2025. https://www.businessgrouphealth.org/en/newsroom/news-and-press-releases/press-releases/2025-employer-health-care-strategy-survey
Mercer. (2024, September 12). Survey: Employers expect third year of high health cost growth in 2025. https://www.mercer.com/en-us/insights/us-health-news/survey-employers-expect-third-year-of-high-health-cost-growth-in-2025/
U.S. Chamber of Commerce. (2022, December 15). New Poll of American Workers Reveals Tremendous Value Placed on Workplace Health Benefits. https://www.uschamber.com/health-care/new-poll-of-american-workers-reveals-tremendous-value-placed-on-workplace-health-benefits
