Running a successful business in Singapore is easier said than done, and entrepreneurs and business owners face a multitude of risks that can impact their operations, financial stability, and growth prospects. Issues or unforeseen situations with employees can affect not only operations but financial aspects as well. Employee medical insurance in Singapore can be extremely beneficial when it comes to preventing situations that can seriously affect a business.
While there are various risks that businesses must navigate, in this article we will explore the potential risks faced by businesses, delving into the specific employee-related risks, and highlighting how employee medical insurance can provide essential protection and peace of mind to businesses in Singapore.
The Many Risks Businesses Face and the Founders Main Concerns
From disruptive market forces to economic uncertainties, businesses encounter numerous risks that threaten their viability and growth potential. Founders and business owners often grapple with concerns such as financial stability, operational disruptions, talent retention, legal compliance, and reputational damage.
These risks can arise from a wide range of factors, including changes in market dynamics, regulatory developments, technological advancements, and unforeseen events such as natural disasters or pandemics.
According to a study, amongst business’ founders, their top concerns when it comes to business risks are operating capital and costs. Increased debt was cited by 26% of founders as the biggest internal concern, followed by rising business expenses (25%) and burnout among employees or management (25%). At the same time, when talking about strategies to avoid these negative situations, the founders identified 3 main strategies: getting help from advisors (32%), controlling growth (30%), and prioritizing risks (30%).
Employee-Related Risks in Singapore and Their Impact Businesses
Among the risks faced by businesses, those related to employees can have a significant impact on operations, finances, and overall business continuity. Employees are the backbone of any organization, and their well-being, health, and satisfaction directly contribute to productivity and business success. However, employee-related risks can emerge in various forms, including:
Employee’s Safety and Risks
Ensuring a safe and healthy work environment is crucial for any business. Accidents, injuries, or occupational illnesses can result in employee downtime, reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and potential legal liabilities.
A 2022 study from Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower, compared the 37 fatal workplace injuries in 2021, where six of those cases were work-related traffic accidents (WRTA), to a total of 46 workplace fatal injuries in 2022. This resulted in a fatal injury rate of 1.3 per 100,000 workers, up from 1.1 in 2021.
Also, the same study shows that in 2022, 80% of all fatal and major injuries came from the traditionally higher-risk industries such as: Construction, Manufacturing, Transportation & Storage, as well as selected services industries (Administrative
& Support Services, Accommodation & Food Services and Wholesale & Retail Trade).
Implementing comprehensive employee medical insurance in Singapore can provide coverage for medical expenses, disability benefits, and even rehabilitation support, reducing the financial burden on the business and providing necessary support for affected employees.
Talent Retention and Attrition
Attracting and retaining top talent is a key priority for businesses. However, unexpected events, personal circumstances, or unsatisfactory employee benefits can lead to talent attrition, negatively impacting business continuity and success.
According to research by the Center for American Progress, replacing an employee can cost businesses up to 20% of the employee’s salary, depending on the position and level of expertise, which can be significant for businesses. Employee medical insurance offerings, such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits, play a crucial role in attracting and retaining employees, enhancing job satisfaction, and providing a sense of security and well-being.
Legal and Compliance Risks
Compliance with labor laws, employment regulations, and statutory requirements is essential to protect businesses from legal repercussions. Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines, penalties, legal disputes, and damage to the company’s reputation.
By incorporating employee medical insurance policies that comply with local regulations, businesses can ensure adherence to legal requirements while safeguarding their interests and protecting their employees’ rights.
Absenteeism and Productivity Loss
Employee absenteeism due to illness, injury, or personal reasons can disrupt business operations and lead to productivity loss. In Singapore, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), the average number of sick leave per absentee rose to 4.5 days from 3.6 days in the first half of 2020. Employee absenteeism can result in reduced productivity and increased costs, including overtime expenses or the need to hire temporary staff to cover for absent employees.
Adequate insurance coverage, including medical benefits, wellness programs, and employee assistance services, can help mitigate the impact of absenteeism by providing prompt access to medical care, preventive services, and wellness support.
Financial Risks
Employee-related risks can also have a significant financial impact on businesses. Large medical bills, disability-related costs, legal expenses, and compensation claims can strain a company’s finances, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Employee medical insurance acts as a financial safety net, providing coverage for medical expenses, disability income, and liability protection, thus safeguarding the financial stability of the business.
The Role of Employee Insurance in Risk Mitigation
Employee medical insurance serves as a powerful tool for businesses to mitigate the risks associated with their workforce, especially in Singapore.
Offering comprehensive employee medical insurance demonstrates the importance for the employer of the satisfaction and well-being of employees. Employees are more likely to be engaged, productive, and devoted to the company when they feel valued and supported.
Employee happiness and overall job security can be considerably boosted by employee medical insurance programs in Singapore that enable access to wellness initiatives, cover basic medical needs, and provide additional benefits like dental or vision care.
The Role of Employee Medical Insurance in Risk Mitigation
While these statistics provide a general overview, these figures also underline the importance for businesses to proactively manage employee risks and invest in employee benefits insurance to mitigate potential financial burdens and protect the well-being of their workforce.
Since the benefits industry is always changing and affects important issues for both people and organizations, dealing with it can be complicated or stressful. If you are considering outsourcing the management of your employee benefits, you should think about consulting a specialist.
Get in contact with us for a free, no-obligation consultation if you need additional help from an employee benefits broker in Singapore.
David Ho
Medical Benefits Designer
