A new era for employee wellbeing

Having healthy and mentally resilient employees is essential in a challenging economic climate, where talent retention is key, and where employers need staff to be present, motivated and productive. With an increasing number of people in work managing long-term health conditions and research by AXA Health showing that almost one in three (32 per cent) people globally live with a mind health condition, forward-thinking businesses are looking to provide measures that support prevention and build resilience.Employer commitment is now an essential factor in addressing current health needs and anticipating and supporting employees’ future requirements. With eight out of 10 people citing work-related stress as a contributing factor to their ill health, it’s not surprising that more than half (52 per cent) now expect their employer to offer support.Employees want practical help and a supportive workplace Employee expectations have shifted in recent years. Employees want real, tangible support, at a time and in a way that works for them.In practical terms, this could mean access to a range of online and offline services that support mind, body, and life, that are accessible and cater to the individual needs of each employee. To build awareness, understanding and empowerment, programmes can be strengthened with health and mental wellbeing coaching, as well as seminars and workshops, and broader health assessments.To truly embed a culture of care and support in the workplace sometimes requires a culture shift. Providing a one-off training or webinar won’t automatically create a change in culture. It requires a multi-layered approach and a strategy that drives trust, openness, and creates an environment where individuals can feel psychologically safe.Research by AXA Health finds half (50 per cent) of all UK workers have used annual leave for their own medical appointments. Furthermore, 47 per cent admit they dislike taking time off for healthcare appointments due to concerns that it will make them appear unreliable. As a result, nearly half (46 per cent) have missed their medical appointments because of work.The impact of employer interventionDigital healthcare enables employers to ensure their employees receive support without taking unnecessary time off work. Three in five people who have access to such support say it saves them time, and 41 per cent find it easier to fit it in around work. Nearly three in 10 (29 per cent) say this reduces stress.“By embracing digital healthcare solutions now, businesses can reduce stress, cut absenteeism and ensure their people stay healthy and productive,” says Heather Smith, CEO at AXA Health. “The private sector has a key role to play in complementing the NHS and helping the UK workforce thrive.”When employers do step in, it can have positive impact. AXA Health’s research shows the number of people who say they are ‘struggling’ mentally and in emotional distress falls from 16 per cent to 8 per cent when impactful interventions are in place. Those reporting they are ‘flourishing’ and in good mind health or ‘getting by’ with some areas of good wellbeing increase from 53 per cent to 63 per cent.Technology can be an enabler in helping deliver choice and flexibility, as well as providing personalisation at scale. Some employees may prefer online self-service support, while others might like to receive care and support in surroundings that are more comfortable, and some value the connection with a specialist human expert.Using technology allows healthcare providers to triage effectively, offer flexible formats – whether it’s therapy, coaching or self-guided tools – and match people with the right support or experts faster. It also provides the data to see what’s working and where gaps might be, helping to further improve and optimise services.Personalised support in actionAn example of how this could work in practice was covered in a recent People Management Insight product spotlight, where relatable stories are shared through the lens of typical customer stories. Susan, for example, is feeling run-down and drained. She logs into the AXA Health app, reads an article on work/life balance, clicks on a link to an EAP and selects ‘mental health support’.After completing a few initial questions, Susan schedules a video counselling session that fits with her work and family commitments. They agree on a short-term plan with five further phone sessions and access to additional resources within the App. She is also encouraged to speak with her line manager and directed to her employer’s occupational health service for further support.After a few weeks, Susan starts to feel more like herself, managing her workloads and family commitments. She can focus on her job without taking time off, and she no longer feels like she’s silently sinking.Benefits for employersThis example shines a light on the importance of timely and easily accessible support. Since launching its enhanced wellbeing and EAP services earlier this year, AXA Health has seen a 32 per cent increase in active users of its App.The platform provides individuals and corporate clients with clinical-grade support in a way that accommodates modern lifestyles. For employers, this could mean fewer missed opportunities for early intervention and better outcomes overall – reduced absence, improved morale and productivity, and better retention.A healthier workforce is more resilient, more focused and generally more positive, which creates a ripple effect. When employees see that their organisation really cares, not just in words but in action, it builds trust. And with trust, psychological safety also increases, positively impacting an organisation’s culture of care and proactive wellbeing. That’s a powerful impact.Find out more about how AXA Health could help you develop personalised wellness solutions for your workforce.

A new era for employee wellbeing

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