Before the pandemic, telehealth wasn’t very popular. But since then, it’s grown into something far more helpful, offering things that even in-person visits sometimes can’t.
Some still doubt it, saying it lacks the human touch or that it can’t replace face-to-face care. But telehealth isn’t here to replace everything; it’s here to make care more accessible, especially when time and logistics get in the way.
As a leader, you can’t ignore how much your team’s health impacts their performance. Telehealth for employees provides them with faster access to care, helps them stay on top of their health without missing work hours, and supports long-term performance.
But to make that possible, your health insurance for employees has to keep up. Plans like the Anthem health insurance plan now offer virtual care options that fit today’s working reality. In this article, we’ll break down how to align telehealth with your current benefits, promote these services effectively, and create a hybrid model that blends virtual and in-person care, so your team can access the proper support at the right time.
Why Smart Leaders Are Paying Attention to Telehealth
Prioritizing employee health directly affects how well people perform. When chronic conditions or mental health issues go unaddressed, they lead to missed work, lower focus, and falling morale. That adds up to lost productivity and higher costs. Telehealth gives leaders a way to step in early, offering support that helps people stay healthy, resilient, and able to do their best work.
Most companies already see the impact. According to Massachusetts Health Quality Partners, 92 percent of employers say telehealth makes it easier for employees to get care, and 75 percent say it reduces time away from work. Instead of taking half a day off for an appointment, employees can schedule a virtual visit in 15 minutes and then return to work.
Individuals using tele-nutrition services experienced noticeable improvements in their health. The average blood pressure dropped by nearly three mmHg. LDL cholesterol dropped by 11 percent. Blood sugar levels came down by 22 percent. These are real changes with real health outcomes. Healthier employees mean fewer sick days, better focus, and stronger job performance.
Research shared by Harvard shows that combining virtual visits with tools like home blood pressure monitoring helps people stay healthier over time. [1] Other studies have found that telehealth support can lower blood sugar and bad cholesterol levels in people managing chronic conditions. One meta-analysis found that after 12 months of telehealth support, patients with diabetes had significantly lower HbA1c levels – a marker of long-term blood sugar control. Their average HbA1c level dropped by 0.84%, a significant improvement in managing the disease.
The same study also reported a reduction of over 6 points in systolic blood pressure after six months of a telehealth-based intervention. This matters because even small reductions in blood pressure can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke over time.
Researchers also saw benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, including improved medication adherence and fewer negative emotional symptoms. In short, when used consistently over time, telehealth isn’t just convenient; it helps people stay healthier, manage long-term conditions more effectively, and avoid complications that could impact both their personal and professional lives. [2]
Pairing Telehealth for Employees with Your Anthem Health Insurance Plan
To get the most out of telehealth, start by checking your company’s health insurance plan – you may already have valuable benefits and not realize it. Taking a closer look at Anthem’s virtual care benefits can help leaders make better use of online doctor visits and digital health tools.
Once you’ve confirmed what’s included, promote the benefits clearly. Use straightforward language and highlight important parts, such as access to mental health services, virtual checkups, or nutrition counseling.
Access is just as important as awareness. Make things easier by teaming up with providers like Health Loft, who can handle scheduling and other details. Add quick prompts in your HR materials so employees can easily see their options.
When done right, telehealth for employee productivity doesn’t just improve outcomes – it also shows your team that their health is a priority.
Make Care Flexible and Accessible
The best healthcare setups don’t make you choose between virtual and in-person visits – they offer both. Use telehealth for quick check-ins or simple questions, and go in person for more serious or complex care.
In places like Austin, teams get the benefit of having both at their fingertips. Virtual services like tele-nutrition are easily accessible, and there are also trusted in-person care options in Austin when face-to-face support is needed.
And as with anything, measure what’s working. Monitor usage, feedback, and results closely. It’s the best way to keep improving and to show your team that their health really does matter.
Make Health Part of Your Business Strategy
At the end of the day, healthy teams perform better. Telehealth makes it easier for people to stay on top of their well-being without stepping away from work for hours. It’s flexible, scalable, and it meets people where they are.
If you want to explore more on how leaders are navigating health, performance, and innovation in the workplace, CEO Today Magazine is a great resource.
Sources:
- Corliss, J. (2025, May 1). Telehealth may help maintain healthy blood pressure. Harvard Heart Letter. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/telehealth-may-help-maintain-healthy-blood-pressure
- Ma, Y., Zhao, C., Zhao, Y., Lu, J., Jiang, H., Cao, Y., & Xu, Y. (2022). Telemedicine application in patients with chronic disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 22, Article 105. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-022-01845-2
