Cigna’s 2019 360° Wellbeing Survey found that 84% of respondents were stressed and 13% were unable to cope with their stress. Respondents also perceived a lack of employer support. Of the 46% who received stress management support from their employer, only 28% felt it was adequate. Two-fifths (38%) of respondents said that no stress management support was provided at all.
While stress continues to be an issue for everyone, women report higher stress levels than men; 88% of working women are stressed compared to 85% of working men. And 61% of working women feel that workplace wellbeing programmes must better address the specific needs of each gender.
Workplace wellbeing programmes may not be achieving the desired Return On Investment, with low participation rates, and a gap between the programmes in place and the needs of employees. Based on our research, 36% of people across the world reported having a wellness programme at work, but only 26% participate.
WHAT IS CIGNA DOING TO HELP ORGANISATIONS?
We work with many of our IGO and NGO clients to offer wellbeing programmes to support their staff members and their family members in improving their health. In addition to encouraging a culture of health, these programmes are designed to reduce health care costs for both staff members and the organisation.
WHAT CAN ORGANISATIONS DO TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE WELLBEING?
Here are 10 ways organisations can show life-changing stress support.
- Allow flexible working hours
- Provide job security
- Provide special paid leave
- Set-up relaxation rooms
- Create a shorter working week
- Allow time off for personal interests
- Organise employer-sponsored physical activities
- Allow working from home
- Organise employer-sponsored activities to manage mental health
- Enforce “Do not disturb” during holidays
