Nearly two-thirds (62%) of employers plan to enhance their support for employee health and wellbeing over the next 12 months, according to new research.
This shift reflects a growing trend toward targeted, strategic wellbeing initiatives. Other key findings from the latest research from Towergate Employee Benefits show that:
- 58% of employers will increase health and wellbeing support tailored to workforce needs.
- 52% of employers will focus on age-specific wellbeing initiatives.
- 52% of employers will introduce gender-specific benefits.
These findings indicate that businesses are moving beyond generic wellness programmes. Instead, they are embracing a more sophisticated, data-driven approach to employee health, ensuring benefits cater to specific workforce demographics.
TARGETED SUPPORT FOR DIVERSE HEALTH NEEDS
“It’s encouraging to see employers prioritising targeted support where it’s needed most. This analytical approach to employee health and wellbeing is a highly effective strategy for ensuring that both employees and businesses reap the benefits,” stated Debra Clark, Head of Wellbeing at Towergate Employee Benefits.
As workplaces become increasingly diverse, employers face the challenge of meeting the varied health and wellbeing expectations of their workforce. A one-size-fits-all approach is no longer effective, noted the research. Instead, organisations must implement multifaceted health strategies that cater to different age groups, genders, and specific needs.
“The challenge now is for employers to truly understand their employees’ health and wellbeing needs. Only by gaining these insights can businesses provide support that delivers maximum impact,” noted Clark.
EFFECTIVE WORKPLACE WELLBEING INITIATIVES
A crucial step toward effective workplace wellbeing initiatives is gathering data directly from employees. Surveys and assessments help employers identify specific areas where support is most needed. Methods include:
- Employee wellbeing surveys.
- Risk assessments.
- Comprehensive health evaluations.
By leveraging these insights, companies can refine their health and wellbeing offerings, resulting in higher employee satisfaction, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity.
GENDER-SPECIFIC BENEFITS
Another major trend identified in the research is the rise of gender-specific health benefits. Employers are increasingly investing in support services that address unique health concerns, such as:
- Cancer screenings (breast, prostate, cervical cancer prevention and treatment).
- Menopause and fertility support.
- Tailored healthcare education and preventative measures.
As companies look to the future, investing in tailored workplace wellbeing strategies will be key to fostering a healthier, more engaged workforce. By prioritising targeted health initiatives, businesses can improve productivity, enhance employee satisfaction and ultimately create a more resilient workplace.
“It’s fantastic to see so many employers taking action to improve employee health and wellbeing. However, with such a wide range of available support options, businesses must take the time to understand their workforce and identify where investment will be most effective and valued,” concluded Clark.
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