Human resource managers noodling on ways to boost productivity and wellness in their workforce might want to consider the results of a survey from ARAG.
The Des Moines, Iowa, legal services company is promoting a study it commissioned that found a correlations between having such a plan in place and decreased stress.
"Medical experts have clearly established that stress puts people at risk for health problems and costs businesses billions of dollars due to absenteeism and lost productivity," David Murray, President and CEO of ARAG, said in a statement. "ARAG's new research confirms legal plans reduce stress, which in turn positively impacts the health of Americans and the bottom line of U.S. employers."
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Legal plans, a voluntary product, are still a relatively new item. ARAG's plans average at $20 per month for an employee, depending on the features.
The study, titled "The De-Stress Zone: How a Legal Plan Can Ease Stress, Boost Wellness," was based on a survey of more than 450 people. It found:
- Three out of four Americans experienced at least one legal issue in the past year.
- Nearly 73 percent of those dealing with a legal issue are extremely, very or somewhat stressed.
- Top five causes of stress when dealing with a legal issue include not knowing where to turn, not understanding options, time commitment, legal costs and finding an attorney.
- 87 percent of people with a legal plan say it reduces their stress when handling a legal situation.
ARAG's premium base totals nearly $2 billion, according to its website. Its competition includes Hyatt Legal Plans, owned by MetLife.
A survey by MetLife earlier this year found that 99 percent of the HR and benefit professionals it surveyed said group legal plans were at least as easy to handle as other voluntary benefits, it not easier.
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