Keeping employees glued to their computer screen for hours that prevent them from getting enough sleep and physical activity, and failing to provide them with nutritious meals are just some of the ways modern workplaces contribute to the poor health of many people.
In response, concerned employers now include health and wellness programs and better access to medical services in their employees’ benefits. However, findings of the PhilCare Wellness Index: The Philippine Roadmap to the Next Normal survey reveal that Filipino employees may find these health and wellness programs wanting in terms of addressing their real health and wellness concerns.
Of the 1,500 working Filipino survey respondents, almost all (9 out of 10 or 93.3 percent) chose “gaining people’s respect” as one of the factors that best predict their overall health and wellness, followed by leading a purposeful and meaningful life (8 out of 10 or 89.1 percent) and having a good work-family balance (86.5 percent).
“While company-provided wellness programs remain highly important for employees when considering a role, they can’t replace life-long goals and meaningful relationships in making an individual feel healthy and whole,” said PhilCare President and CEO Jaeger L. Tanco.
PhilCare believes employers can support the study’s findings without the need to come up with special initiatives. They just need to consider improving their existing policies and practices.
For example, employers can become more accountable to their team by adjusting their operations to keep employees on the payroll during the pandemic, they can put more effort in encouraging employees to balance work and family time, or they can find more ways to better create a working environment that promotes friendship and lifts morale.
The Wellness Index also found that 8 out of 10 (87.2 percent) of its respondents agree that their workplace’s clear response strategy to the economic impact of the pandemic has positively affected their health and wellbeing, while 9 out of 10 (95.9 percent) consider having a good relationship with their colleagues important.
“A safe working environment is not just about being Covid-19-free or preventing accidents; it’s also about proactively looking after the emotional and mental health of employees,” said Tanco.
“Since people generally spend a great deal of their time at work, employers should encourage employee interactions that promote trust and respect, as well as boost confidence.”
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