What’s the biggest challenge to health and wellbeing programme success in EMEA?
Optum surveyed 347 global employers to ask them about the greatest challenges for their health and wellbeing (H&W) programmes. Employers in EMEA said understanding the needs of their employees is one of their main challenges.
Does your company have a formal, written strategic plan for employee wellness?
Many employers in EMEA struggle to select the right H&W programmes for their workforce. This year, more companies have opted to develop only long-term H&W plans, and misaligned programme choices may take longer to reverse.
In 2020, 30% of companies had long-term plans only, 33% in 2021 and 43% in 2022. In 2020, 41% of companies had an annual plan only, 39% in 2021 and 33% in 2022. In 2020, 18% of companies had both a long-term and annual plan, which increased to 20% in 2021 and decreased to 19% in 2022. In 2020, 7% of employers reported having no plan, 6% in 2021 and 3% in 2022.
In 2020, 12% of companies allocated financial resources to programme evaluation, 14% in 2021 and 15% in 2022.
In 2021, 36% of employers strongly agreed they’re able to effectively track H&W metrics to evaluate programme performance. In 2022, 43% of companies strongly agreed.
In 2020, 42% of employers believed it was very important to get employee feedback to determine H&W programme success. In 2021, 51% believed that and 54% in 2022.
The biggest challenge we face as a company is whether the plans we make are what our employees need.
Employer in England
What data is available to support programme selection? How do you determine if programmes are benefitting employees?
Optum can help. We’re on a mission to create a healthier world. At Optum, we understand that corporate success starts with a healthy workforce. Our integrated health solutions, including our global Employee Assistance Programme, help advance your health and wellbeing strategy to build a culture of health within your organisation.
Learn more at optum.com/globalemployers.
2022 International Wellness in the Workplace Study
Optum surveyed large employers around the world to better understand current health and well-being strategies and practices.
How are hybrid work schedules impacting programme offerings?
The popularity of some programme offerings is changing over time.
How are employers driving employee engagement?
While regions vary, mobile apps are helping to drive engagement.
Survey/ methodology
- 347 international employers located in APAC, EMEA or LATAM regions
- Global companies with 3,000+ employees
- Decision-makers in human resources, executive, management or administrative roles
- Surveys administered online from 7 April to 5 May 2022