Employers are revisiting their employee benefits programs to provide wholesome well-being offerings to employees.
Employee health and wellness programs and benefits have typically been linked primarily to health insurance. A few organizations, in addition to insurance, have also explored the route of gym memberships, counseling support, and even nutrition-related sessions. However, the pandemic has revealed that many of these programs only skim the surface with respect to overall employee well-being. It has also led to a significant increase in creative solutions to take care of the health of the workforce. The Pulse of HR surveyOpens a new window also shared how concern for employee wellness was a key area of focus as well as engagement.
The findings of a new survey by Willis Towers WatsonOpens a new window shares how profound the impact on employee benefits has been. As per the survey half of the employers have already made changes to their benefits program – 33% have made changes and are also planning further changes, 5% have made changes but don’t intend to make more changes, while 11% have not made changes as yet but are planning to make changes. In addition, companies are also evaluating their 2021 healthcare strategy and prioritizing high-quality mental health solutions too.
“We find it heartening that employers are actively looking at ways and doing what they can to support their workers despite facing significant challenges. By taking positive actions around health and well-being, companies are putting people first, and that’s an investment that’s likely to build employee loyalty, raise engagement and enhance productivity,†said Cedric Luah, MD and Head of Health & Benefits, Asia and Australasia at Willis Towers Watson.
In addition to these findings, 80% of organizations have encouraged employees to use Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and online emotional/mental health services. 72% have also actively shared information about well-being apps to support their workforce. Finally, employers have also been promoting telemedicine services (73%) to their employees.
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How Are Employers Meeting Employees’ Well-Being Needs?
So far, the focus on technology-driven and diverse set of employee benefits has been limited. Even the trend of virtual working is unique owing to the emphasis placed on physical workplaces and the supporting culture within them. But waves of change are coming and being noticed as well.
Online mental health support
The focus on mental well-being in APAC countries has been limited, and employers have not had specific benefits offerings in the past that address costs that an employee might incur as a result. The pandemic and subsequent impact on mental health have now made organizations revisit their plans. For example, the French multinational company IdemiaOpens a new window stepped up its mental health benefit offerings for employees based in the Asia Pacific since April. One of the activities it conducts is weekly webinars, where a professional is invited to share insights on taking care of one’s mental health while working from home. Non-work-related conversations are now being encouraged too.
Others like United Overseas Bank have been organizing webinars by doctors for their employees on how to build mental resilience, as well as to share tips on emotional, physical, and mental well-being. They have also been providing their employees with a mental health care hotline operated by mental health professionals.
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Forecasted increase in the use of EAPs
While EAPs have been around for a long time, with the exception of a few countries, many others have not been using it as an employee benefit. A few providers in this space factor in Asian working conditions as well as stress parameters. Large organizations such as ICAS International have also started offering EAPs for this region, which has also resulted in its increasing prevalence.
The report findings indicate that employee wellness is not a priority in some parts of the world, but a critical goal globally.
Note: A total of 746 employers in the Asia Pacific participated in the survey, which was conducted during the week of June 1 to 12, 2020. Respondents employ nearly 1.6 million employees across 15 geographies.