Group Risk: The smart way to protect your people and your business
If you want a benefits package that truly supports your people and your bottom line, Group Risk protection is one of the most effective tools you can deploy, writes Aoife McGrath, Group Risk Actuary.
Group Risk provides financial security when life takes an unexpected turn, reduces absence costs, and strengthens your employer brand. According to a 2022 CIPD Ireland survey, just 44% of Irish employers offered income protection or long-term sick pay to their staff, while 73% agreed that improved benefits - like income protection - help attract and retain talent in a competitive market^. Here’s how it helps - and how Zurich’s early intervention programme turns good intentions into measurable outcomes.
Group Risk protection helps your business and your employees in three key ways:
- Reduces absenteeism and downtime by offering support and early intervention. This helps employees recover faster and return to work sooner.
- Boosts retention and engagement because employees appreciate employers who look after them and their families. This builds loyalty and increases productivity.
- Shields against sudden financial shocks by helping both employees and the business cope with the effects of serious illness, disability, or death.
When people know their families and financial resilience are supported, they are more likely to stay, engage and contribute at their best. Group Risk Protection also creates a competitive edge in the labour market: a strong Group Risk offer sets you apart in recruitment and helps reduce the costs associated with turnover.
Group Risk also protects against financial shocks for both employees and employers. For employees, lump-sum payments and income replacement can prevent immediate hardship and support recovery, easing the stress that can otherwise prolong absence. For employers, predictable insurance costs replace ad hoc financial support, while earlier, safer returns to work help curb lost productivity and reduce reliance on overtime or temporary staffing.
What does Group Risk protection cover?
- Group Life Insurance: A tax-efficient lump sum or income to dependants if an employee dies. This provides immediate financial security for families and shows your commitment to employee wellbeing.
- Group Income Protection: A regular income if illness or injury prevents an employee from working long term, often combined with rehabilitation support to enable a safe return.
- Disability and Critical Illness: One-off payment to help with recovery costs, adaptations, or income gaps during serious health events.
Zurich’s Early Intervention Programme: Helping employees return to work
At Zurich, we know that the longer someone is out of work, the harder it is to return. Most employees want to get back to work, but it can become more challenging the longer they’re away. That’s why our Group Risk protection includes early intervention services. These are especially helpful for mental health and musculoskeletal issues, which make up over half of our claims**. It’s about more than just providing a monthly benefit if an employee gets sick – we want to help you manage absences in your business.
How it works:
- If an employee is off sick for two weeks, notify Zurich.
- We’ll assess the situation and, if appropriate, assign a case manager for an initial assessment - either in person or remotely.
- A personalised plan may include physiotherapy or psychological support, with Zurich helping to cover the costs.
The results speak for themselves: 79% of employees referred to the programme returned to work within 80 days*. But timing is key – the sooner you notify us, the better the chances of a successful return to work.
Key takeaways
By offering a Group Risk plan, you’re not just supporting your employees’ financial security. You’re also investing in their health and the productivity of your business. Our Group Income Protection is flexible and can make a big difference to your rewards package.
Whether you’re setting up a Group Risk scheme for the first time or simply shopping for the best deal, we offer a range of products and options to suit your business needs. As a trusted partner to thousands of businesses in Ireland, we provide a broad suite of employee benefits, including group risk solutions and retirement options for members. We deliver complete, clear solutions for any business size - small, medium or large. Talk to your Scheme Advisor or visit Zurichcorporate.ie to find out more.
*Source: HCB Group, 2025
^Source: CIPD Ireland, HR Practices in Ireland 2022 Survey.
** Zurich Claims Team, December 2025
