Tesco Ireland said it will introduce a free virtual GP service for over 13,000 of its staff, with additional discounted rates for staff family members.
Virtual GP services allow people in need of healthcare to access online doctor appointments quickly and easily from their own homes.
The new free virtual GP service for Tesco Ireland staff will be provided through Laya Healthcare.
Through Tesco's new benefit, staff who consult with the online doctor can also have a private prescription issued by the GP and sent to their chosen pharmacy.
As well as the free virtual GP benefit, Tesco is also providing staff and same-household family members with other additional wellbeing services through a relaunched 24/7 365-day Employee Assistance Programme.
This includes access to confidential telephone counselling and mental health supports, a digital gym and nutrition hub as well as legal assistance, financial assistance, cancer support, life and parenting coaching and much more.
Maurice Kelly, People Director at Tesco Ireland, said that Tesco staff have been telling the company how big of a challenge access to GP and medical costs can be for them and their families.
"As part of our new wellbeing programme, we are delighted to be making this investment in further supporting our colleagues and their families with the day-to-day challenges that life brings," Mr Kelly said.
"Helping our colleagues to take positive steps towards taking care of their mind, body and their lives is of utmost importance to Tesco as the health and wellbeing of our colleagues means a healthier and happier workplace for all," he said.
"A key feature of these new measures we are announcing is not only are they free but more importantly these services are available 24/7, allowing colleagues to take more control of their wellbeing when they need to," he added.
Over the past 16 months, Tesco has awarded pay increases of 10% to its retail staff, alongside other financial wellbeing enhancements which included the introduction of a more accessible retirement savings plan; a "Save As You Earn" share purchase scheme and the provision of tax-incentive train and bus tickets and the Bike to Work scheme.
It has also introduced enhancements to the Colleague Clubcard discount scheme providing a total annual allowance of €1,500 with colleagues availing of a monthly 15% discount event on top of the existing 10% discount on all purchases.
