Majority (84%) of respondents agree that employer support could influence their decision on job changes and offers
Growing dissatisfaction around physical health
Workforce wellbeing has been a top priority on business agendas. However, survey findings uncovered that almost half (45%) of respondents expressed some level of dissatisfaction with their current physical health status, with a corresponding 48% of employees rating their physical health status below average. In contrast, 88% rated their mental health status average or above. Moreover, four out of five (84%) respondents would, to some extent, consider their decisions in job changes and offers based on the level of employer support provided around employee health and wellbeing. These results suggest there is an urgent need for employers to prioritise and improve the overall physical wellbeing of their workforce. The commitment to caring for ourselves and those around us through positive practices can foster a better work environment for all.
Personal health is top of mind, particularly for respondents aged 31 or above, with more than one-third (39%) of respondents indicating they are most worried about their health on a day-to-day basis, second to personal financial stability (41%).
Dean Pollard, General Manager of Bupa Global Middle East and Asia said, “As employees transition through different life stages, their healthcare and wellbeing needs evolve. Hong Kong employees in particular show a growing dissatisfaction towards the support provided in addressing their current health and wellness needs. Organisations must understand what employees are seeking in order to promote overall wellbeing, particularly physical health, as providing tailored support will help foster an inclusive workplace for employees across all age groups. Organisations have a responsibility to ensure their employees and teams are well.”
Challenges and disconnections in navigating the physical wellbeing landscape
Given the events of the past few years, coupled with the shifting social dynamics and evolving work environments, it is more important than ever for businesses to develop a comprehensive wellbeing strategy that keeps employees emotionally and physically fit for the future. However, despite the importance placed on physical health, the survey highlighted a disconnect between employees’ expectations and the support provided by their employers.
While the government recommends exercising at least 3 days per week, 41% of respondents self-reported not being able to meet this requirement. Three in four (75%) respondents also reported not receiving any additional support from their employers on physical health besides the mandatory company insurance coverage, and nearly half (47%) expressed dissatisfaction with their employer’s efforts in promoting better physical health.
The survey also found that fewer than half (44%) of respondents are to some extent, satisfied with the health insurance package provided by their employer and 39% of respondents did not feel their employer’s package catered to their specific needs at their current life stage. Given age-related health concerns and expectations of requiring a more comprehensive coverage, the level of satisfaction on company health insurance package also decrease with the seniority of the job position.
Encouraging physical activities to close the gap in satisfaction of overall wellbeing
Employers have a significant opportunity to bridge the gap and better address the physical health needs of their employees. Only one in four (25%) employees are receiving direct support from their employers on physical activities to promote better health and wellbeing in the office – such as team sports or fitness challenges (30%) and complimentary gym membership (18%). Not only can exercise help individuals stay physically healthy, but many are using it as an outlet to improve their mental health as well, with 49% of respondents using it to help manage or prevent mental health concerns.
Dean Pollard added, “While employee expectations take centre stage, our survey results reveal that employers are falling short in meeting their employee’s demands for better physical health support. We are firm believers that healthcare insurance packages should extend beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and organisations should do more than the basic requirements. Happier, healthier employees perform better and make for better community members. As employees call for better coverage and services, organisations should address these concerns and provide the resources that meets both their physical and mental health needs.”
Employees are seeking involvement and extended support
When asked about preferred initiatives to foster health and wellbeing, respondents ranked flexible work arrangements as the highest priority (48%), followed by employee wellness programmes including fitness classes and nutrition workshops (14%), and subsidised or complimentary memberships to external fitness and wellness centres (11%). In fact, 84% want to be a part of the decision-making process to some degree, when deciding health and wellbeing programmes in the workplace. It is clear that listening to employees and their needs can also create a more inclusive environment where employees can thrive.
In addition to introducing new wellness habits on an individual level, many are looking to external sources for support. Employees want their workplaces to step in, with 80% of respondents citing that they would like their employer to further expand its support on health and wellbeing through additional initiatives.
Variations in preferred healthcare coverage based on age groups
Organisations should recognise that while there is a general consensus that more action should be taken, preferences for health and wellbeing services vary among age groups. While dental coverage is highly preferred by respondents aged 25-50, those aged 51-60 indicated a preference for fitness and wellness services (54%) As older individuals become more attuned to their health and recognise the benefits of exercise, 42% of them see regular exercise as the most important factor for overall wellbeing, in contrast to less than one-third (29%) of the youngest age group (25-30).
These findings from the Bupa Global Employee Wellbeing survey underscore the pressing need for employers to take action in prioritising and enhancing workplace initiatives that promote physical health and target specific employee needs based on their life stages. By doing so, employers can create a supportive environment that fosters employee wellbeing, engagement, and productivity.
Learn more about the survey by downloading the infographic here (PDF, 7,168KB)