Increased Organizational Focus on Employee Wellness
Today, organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in wellness measures for employees due to their impact on key business indicators such as talent attraction and retention, reduced absenteeism, higher satisfaction, improved motivation, and more.
Investment in Wellness Programs
Many companies are not only investing in wellness programs but also in strategies that support work-life balance, such as flexible hours, remote work, virtual meetings, and reduced working hours.
Key Findings from the Total Pass Report
According to the Total Pass report, “Radiografía de bienestar empresarial,” most companies highlight that wellness is not optional but a necessary action to motivate the workforce.
The report states that 48% of participants believe their organization is interested in promoting wellness among employees by encouraging healthy habits like exercise and rest, as well as identifying potential health risks.
Mercer’s Total Remuneration Survey
In Mercer’s Total Remuneration Survey, 46% of organizations have a wellness program. The primary reasons for implementing these tools are improving employees’ quality of life, better regulatory compliance, talent attraction and retention, and market differentiation.
Expert Insights
Marina Aguilar, a workplace mental health specialist, notes that many companies have realized offering more wellness within the workplace helps counteract stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues caused by poor work-life balance.
París Ravelo, an occupational health and wellness specialist, explains that there’s a growing awareness among companies to prioritize employee well-being due to the pandemic’s significance in emphasizing health importance.
Greater Awareness, Yet Much to Accomplish
Although organizations are more aware of employee wellness, key areas still need reinforcement for top management to recognize the relevance of improvement.
Marina Aguilar points out that a significant challenge for organizations offering wellness to employees is changing the mindset of top management.
The Mercer survey highlights that wellness program implementation in companies primarily increases job satisfaction, followed by improved overall employee health and reduced workplace stress.
However, detection of diseases early ranks fourth, with reduced sick leave due to general illness coming in fifth. Increased productivity, decreased accidents and injuries, and cost containment related to health follow.
París Ravelo adds that growing inequality, both generational (access to services) and gender-based disparities, poses another challenge for employee wellness.
Limited Access to Health Services
Despite having or being entitled to social medical security, the healthcare system faces challenges. Many companies still lack on-site health services, which negatively impacts employees.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving organizations to prioritize employee wellness? The increasing awareness of its impact on key business indicators, such as talent attraction and retention, reduced absenteeism, higher satisfaction, improved motivation, and more.
- What types of wellness programs are companies implementing? Flexible work hours, remote work options, virtual meetings, reduced working hours, exercise programs, yoga and meditation classes, personal finance workshops, and limited guidance on adequate rest.
- What challenges do organizations face in promoting wellness? Changing top management mindsets, limited access to health services, and growing inequality (generational and gender-based disparities).
