The global COVID-19 pandemic has given HR and benefits professionals the opportunity to reinvent health and wellbeing plans – turning caring into a competitive advantage.
Kristin M Parker, PhD, MPH
Global & US Health Management Leader
Mercer Marsh Benefits
Since the start of the global pandemic, employee health has moved rapidly up the corporate agenda. Firms are beginning to understand that caring for employees is both productive and cost-effective.
This shift has highlighted the need for benefits professionals to work with colleagues in occupational health and safety, risk management, talent acquisition and human resource (HR) delivery to create a comprehensive approach to wellbeing.
To be effective, wellbeing should be a complete strategy that encompasses benefits, workforce engagement, and company culture, rather than a checklist of individual initiatives.
Strong wellbeing strategies include four pillars - physical, emotional, social and financial - that influence an individuals’ sense of purpose, increase happiness and promotes health.
Strong wellbeing strategies benefit employers, employees, and greater society.
The goal is to create a robust strategy that leads to better health while also improving business outcomes such as productivity, engagement, retention and trust.
Africa