Alight, Inc., a leading cloud-based human capital and technology services provider, has released the findings from its inaugural study, Hot Topics in Employer Well-being Programs, shedding light on the current state of employer well-being initiatives and the changes anticipated in 2024. The employer survey, conducted in the summer of 2023, garnered responses from 63 organizations employing a collective 3 million workers.
The study reveals that 87% of employers invest in well-being programs primarily to enhance organizational culture. However, to achieve this goal, employee awareness and engagement are crucial. While only 31% of employers currently use employee data for personalized communication, this is expected to double in the coming year according to survey respondents.
Also, the report emphasizes the importance of the employee experience around well-being programs, with almost 90% of employers highlighting the significance of a portal or single platform for health, wealth, and well-being. Correspondingly, 86% of workers express the importance of having a one-stop shop for all these benefits.
The study also identifies employers are looking to take a balanced approach on future investments across mental, physical, financial, and social well-being programs.
- Nearly three-quarters (70%) of employers have invested in mental health resources, with a significant proportion considering adding coaching support for mental, emotional, and behavioral health.
- Alongside traditional physical programs, 50% of employers now include women’s health resources, expanding the scope beyond fertility to include hormone and menopause support.
- Two-thirds of employers offer tools or services for budgeting, and 40% provide resources for financial support at different life stages.
- Three-quarters of employers say career development is a focus area of investment for social well-ebing and see the potential for generative AI to assist employees by identifying skill gaps and suggesting relevant training opportunities for career development.
“Our inaugural report demonstrates that employers are looking to employee well-being as a critical part of creating a high-performing organization,” says Rob Austin, head of research at Alight. “By building a culture of well-being, having a simplified user experience with a well-being platform, and investing in the most relevant solutions to meet the vast and diverse needs of the employee population, employers can remain competitive this year and beyond.”
