51% of employers cited employee satisfaction as their organization's most important goal
The study suggests that employers maintain focus on clinical programming with proven returns and outcomes.
Employee health and wellbeing have long been linked to company success metrics such as engagement and productivity, but the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of employee welfare like never before. Although the acute health crisis has subsided, companies are still evaluating how to best serve their employees with workplace wellness initiatives moving forward.
A new study conducted by the IBI, analyzed data from over 300 HR professionals and uncovered priorities and challenges in building out employee wellness programs. According to the study, 68% of employers report that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly or moderately influenced benefits programs strategies.
IBI found that 51% of employers cited employee satisfaction as their organization’s most important goal. Another 51% said that mental health and emotional support was their main priority for resource allocation.
Employees’ preferences for health benefits varied by age. While the study found that employees between the ages of 35 and 45 were more interested in work-life balance and flexibility benefits, those over the age of 55 were most interested in preventative health screening benefits.
Other major takeaways from the study revealed that employers still struggle with pressures of controlling costs while improving employee wellness. Additionally, better communication and continued education around health benefits offerings is needed to raise awareness.
The study found that employers who rated themselves as ill-equipped to address employee needs post-pandemic, cited funding, people/staffing and technology as their biggest barriers. Time and organizational culture were also mentioned.
Related: New report finds employee burnout reached 57%
IBI’s recommendations for employers looking to improve employee health and wellness programs include studying employee wants/needs and closely aligning solutions to meet those needs. Additionally, the study recommends that employers offer convenient virtual care options and communicate them effectively. Finally, the study suggests that employers maintain focus on clinical programming with proven returns and outcomes.