US employers prioritize wellbeing but miss the mark with employees

Rhea-AI Summary

WTW's Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey reveals a significant mismatch between employer wellbeing programs and employee needs. While employers prioritize mental (73%) and physical (50%) wellbeing, 66% of employees identify financial wellbeing as their primary concern, which is employers' lowest priority (23%).

According to WTW's 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey, 48% of U.S. employees struggle with moderate or major wellbeing issues, with 56% reporting above-average stress levels. Only 41% feel financially secure, yet employers rate lowest (19%) in financial wellbeing initiative effectiveness.

Companies are planning improvements, with 46% aiming to embed wellbeing programs into company culture, and 71% planning to enhance program communication. The employee net promoter score for wellbeing initiatives has improved from -45 in 2019 to -20 currently.

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Employees want greater financial wellbeing support, according to WTW research

NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While employers are taking steps to support employees’ physical and mental wellbeing, there is a disparity between the focus of employer wellbeing programs and what employees need the most. This is according to the latest Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.

The survey found U.S. employers are prioritizing support for mental (73%) and physical (50%) wellbeing. Yet, employees say that financial wellbeing support is their top area of concern (66%), despite being the lowest priority for employers (23%).

Almost half of U.S. employees (48%) are struggling with moderate or major issues in at least two areas of their wellbeing, according to WTW’s 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey (GBAS). Employees with wellbeing issues show lower productivity (higher absence and presenteeism) and report higher rates of burnout and lower levels of engagement. Over half of employees (56%) have above-average levels of stress, while 37% have reported symptoms of anxiety or depression.

“The mental health crisis has brought employee wellbeing to the forefront of employers’ minds in recent years,” said Regina Ihrke, Health, Equity and Wellbeing leader, North America, WTW. “Companies have been leaning heavily into physical and mental wellbeing to make it a core part of their human capital strategy. We know that these investments have improved employees’ perceptions of the growing initiatives.”

“Organizations that are highly effective at employee wellbeing often report better business outcomes, such as enhanced financial performance and reduced employee turnover. However, there is a disconnect between the wellbeing areas that employers are investing in and what employees are saying they need help with,” said Ihrke.

Indeed, employers are showing to be least effective in the areas where employees need the most help, identifying financial wellbeing initiatives at the very bottom (19%). Only two in five employees (41%), however, feel financially secure and identify that their financial situation is the area of their wellbeing where they face the biggest challenges, according to GBAS.

Employees report mixed feelings about employer initiatives with a net promoter score (a measure of customer loyalty and satisfaction with a company) of –20; however, employers have made significant progress since 2019 when the net promoter score was –45. Companies are committed to seeking additional improvement over the next three years, with 46% striving to embed wellbeing programs and practices into their company culture and effectively communicating its value to employees throughout the year, compared with 33% today.

Moreover, more than four in five (91%) are prioritizing the employee experience as an outcome of their wellbeing strategy, and 37% are looking to make wellbeing a foundational element of their human capital strategy in the next three years, compared with only 11% today. Specifically, many employers (71%) are planning to boost communication about their wellbeing programs and connect wellbeing to company culture (49%) to raise the bar on employee health and wellbeing.

“The delivery of wellbeing initiatives is just as important as the content of the programs. Communication, accessibility and creating a connected culture that links back to company and employee values is key to building a stronger employee experience when it comes to wellbeing. It’s important that employers focus on getting the right priorities in place to support the varied needs of their workforce as well as creating an enabling environment that promotes the services they make available,” said Jill Havely, managing director, Employee Experience, WTW.

About the study

The 2024 Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey was conducted from March to April 2024. Respondents include 535 U.S. employees working at medium and large private sector employers, representing a broad range of industries.

The 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey was conducted from January to March 2024. Respondents include 10,000 U.S. employees working at medium and large private sector employers, representing a broad range of industries.

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you. Learn more at wtwco.com.

Media contacts:

Stacy Bronstein
stacy.bronstein@wtwco.com

Ileana Feoli
ileana.feoli@wtwco.com

FAQ

What percentage of US employees are struggling with wellbeing issues according to WTW's 2024 survey?

According to WTW's 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey, 48% of U.S. employees are struggling with moderate or major issues in at least two areas of their wellbeing.

How many employers prioritize mental health support according to WTW's latest survey?

73% of employers prioritize mental health support according to WTW's latest Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey.

What is the current employee net promoter score for wellbeing initiatives according to WTW?

The current net promoter score for wellbeing initiatives is -20, showing improvement from -45 in 2019.

What percentage of employees feel financially secure according to WTW's 2024 survey?

Only 41% of employees feel financially secure according to WTW's 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey.

How many employers plan to boost communication about wellbeing programs according to WTW?

71% of employers are planning to boost communication about their wellbeing programs.