EMPLOYEE PERKS
Work From Home
Health benefits remain key The reality is that COVID-19 has catalysed a new era , accelerating the shift from ‘ traditional ’ group insurance cover to employee health benefits characterised by health technology and a wider definition of wellbeing – that encompasses not just physical health , but increasingly mental health too . As businesses work to regain their footing post-pandemic , HR leaders will be looking to reshape company offers , adapting health , wellness and benefits programmes with the delivery of everything from enhanced sick leave and financial assistance , to adjusted hours of operation , childcare provisions and mental health support .
To address these challenges , 62 % of those surveyed WTW said enhancing mental health services and stress / resilience management 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 .
Employers expect nearly two in five employees will still be working remotely at the end of 2021 , compared with 57 % who work remotely now , although that varies by industry , according to WTW .
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 .
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