HUMAN CAPITAL
as a top priority over the next six months , compared with just 47 % six months ago . Encouragingly , twice as many employers report developing a strategy for benefits in a post-COVID-19 environment as a top priority , suggesting a shift from crisis management to future planning .
Mental health support in focus Even before the pandemic , prevalence of mental health had become a common workplace issue , leading HR managers to introduce wellness programmes into its benefit packages and insurers to deliver such policies .
In the wake of the pandemic and its aftermath ( a recent global study by Qualtrics and SAP revealed that 67 % of respondents were experiencing heightened stress levels ) and as workplaces adjust to the ‘ new normal ’ and the struggles that come with it , more organisations are recognising the importance of mental health and emotional wellbeing programmes .
“ Employers have assessed their caregiving support was not as effective as hoped , and as a result the mental health of their workforce is suffering ,” said Rachael McCann , senior director , Health and Benefits , Willis Towers Watson . “ Many solutions were short term in nature , which contributed to their ineffectiveness . With the stakes so high , employers need a revamped approach to caregiving support that includes a holistic view of benefits , paid time off and flexible work policies .”
Such numbers are reflected in Pacific Prime ’ s Global Employee Benefits Trends 2020 report . While 34 per cent of businesses have already introduced additional private mental health support , 44 per cent have started to provide professional mental health support , and 35 per cent have introduced extra physical or mental training sessions .
“ Increasingly , companies are offering programmes that help employees monitor and reduce their stress levels , provide apps to assist with relaxation and sleep , and hold workshops on emotional resilience ,” states Pacific Prime ’ s CEO , Neil Raymond . “ Employers are also progressively using telehealth programmes to provide mental
“ The pandemic has taken its toll on employees especially in the areas of emotional and social wellbeing ”
REGINA IHRKE WELLBEING LEADER , NORTH AMERICA , WILLIS TOWERS WATSON businesschief . com 69