Today’s multigenerational employees are navigating a complex world that includes increased mental health issues, financial stress, renewed or new tensions in the workplace, returns to the office, and more. These challenges can affect an employee’s day-to-day life — and their ability to be a contributing team member.
More than ever, employers need to support the whole health of their workforce. This means offering the right benefits for every facet of physical, mental, emotional, financial, and social health.
Meeting Modern Workplace Expectations
A recent survey revealed that the majority of employees expect their workplace to support every aspect of their health. Approximately 67% report wanting a safe and supportive culture for mental health, 64% expect employer-sponsored mental health treatment, and 60% desire self-care resources. Employees need and want their organizations to advance beyond traditional medical benefits to include more comprehensive care.
Supporting Employee Health And Well-Being
Additional studies show that around 15% of working-aged adults report dealing with some type of mental illness or disorder. According to the same study, employee depression and anxiety alone translates to approximately 12 billion missed workdays worldwide each year.
Employers can support their employees and their organization by helping reduce absenteeism, burnout, and drain on productivity through solutions that complement traditional medical benefits. For example, Anthem’s award-winning SydneySM Health app makes it easier to integrate mental health as a part of an employee’s overall well-being. By leveraging innovative technology and artificial intelligence (AI), the Sydney app serves as a digital front door to employee benefits information, well-being programs, virtual care, and additional services.
Mitigating The Effects Of Life Stressors
Stress comes in many forms. From childcare to elder care to finances to major life changes, life stressors can impact how employees show up in the workplace. The American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a 2023 study and found that 92% of workers want their employers to value their overall well-being.
Employers can lean on trusted partners like Anthem for an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) enabling employees to care for their overall health by connecting them to a variety of resources and confidential care for all of life’s needs.
For instance, a recent Anthem study showed that 58% of employees reported experiencing financial stress. An EAP would give an employee a consultation with a financial advisor and help them develop a plan of action. Addressing employee stressors overwhelmingly increases their productivity and work performance.
Tools For A Positive Work Culture
The quality of workplace culture is also important. The earlier-mentioned APA study states that 76% of employees who reported a toxic workplace say their work environment affects their mental health. Unfortunately, organizations typically feel their culture is much more positive than it is. However, employers don’t have to improve their company culture on their own: EAPs offer tools and guidance to help establish a healthier working environment.
The Right Support For Today’s Modern Workplace
Whole-person benefits are a positive for both employees and employers. Comprehensive support can improve health, lower costs for employees and employers, and increase productivity. In today’s modern workforce, employers can make a significant difference by advancing their benefits to support their workforce across every aspect of health.
Sydney Health is offered through an arrangement with Carelon Digital Platforms, a separate company offering mobile application services on behalf of your health plan.