For some people, employee benefits are non-issue. They, for whatever reason, aren’t given much consideration. For others, they are a primary consideration and a necessity. When benefits are lacking, you may find yourself in a situation where they’d have come in handy, or, in some cases, make the difference between getting the support you need or incur signifant debt.
A new RBC Insurance survey highlights how coverage gaps — driven by accessibility, affordability and awareness — are impacting employee well-being, particularly for women, individuals managing chronic conditions and younger generations entering the workforce.
"These findings are a call to action for employers and benefits providers alike, as there’s a real opportunity to close the gap between what employees need and what they receive," Tony Bruin, head of group benefits at RBC Insurance, said in a statement. "The more an employer tailors and prioritizes more inclusive and relevant benefit solutions, the more they can truly support their employees."
Women and individuals with chronic conditions face greater barriers to care
The survey data reveals that women, in particular, are disproportionately affected by gaps in healthcare coverage. Three in four women say they want or need benefits that directly address women’s health concerns, such as fertility and menopause services. Yet, they are more likely than men to report significant barriers to care:
- 31% say insufficient coverage prevents them from accessing needed services (compared to 22% of men)
- 25% struggle to secure appointments (vs. 17% of men)
- 68% cite affordability and rising costs as a major concern (vs. 49% of men)
- 33% point to mental health issues like anxiety or depression as barriers to improving well-being (vs. 17% of men)
The picture isn’t much better for individuals living with chronic conditions. Over half of employees or their spouses are managing at least one chronic illness, and 60% say that affordability remains a major hurdle.
Coverage gaps are even more pronounced among those with disabilities. Roughly a third of individuals with physical (31%), developmental (31%) or mental health-related (28%) disabilities report that their insurance coverage is insufficient, often leaving them with out-of-pocket costs that are financially unsustainable.
Younger workers say group benefits fall short — and barriers are holding them back
Many Gen Z and Millennial employees feel that current group benefit plans don’t offer adequate coverage for their needs. Despite being the most motivated to improve their financial health, reduce stress and achieve better work-life balance, they face several roadblocks:
- 59% cite affordability as a major barrier
- 44% struggle with lack of motivation
- 40% say busy schedules get in the way
On top of these challenges, a lack of awareness is also limiting progress. One in five adults aged 18 to 34 say they’re unsure what their benefits actually cover — a significantly higher rate than among older age groups (13% for ages 35–54 and 12% for those 55+).
Survey methodology
A sample of 1,000 working Canadians ages 18 to 65 were surveyed online via the Ipsos I-Say panel between January 29 to 31.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
