In today’s competitive market, attracting and retaining top talent demands a new perspective on employee benefits. To remain ahead of the curve with current and prospective employees, it’s paramount that employers support whole-person health and vitality, including being there for their employees during life’s pivotal moments. 

Cigna Healthcare research shows that this approach is especially relevant for younger generations, who are increasingly prioritising working with employers that understand their aspirations, respect their individuality, and support their major life events, such as starting a family. Prioritising inclusive benefits is a strategic investment that strengthens the employee value proposition, boosts morale and productivity, and fosters a more inclusive environment. Collectively, inclusive benefits yield to a more innovative and engaged workforce with higher presenteeism and company loyalty, which drives positive results for an employer’s bottom line.

Unlocking employee vitality

Vitality is multifaceted, encompassing physical, spiritual, emotional, social, occupational, financial, intellectual, and environmental aspects of one’s life. It’s about understanding that individuals have a multitude of needs and complex lives, and that a comprehensive approach is necessary to support their overall health and wellbeing.

Prioritising inclusive benefits is a strategic investment that strengthens the employee value proposition, boosts morale and productivity, and fosters a more inclusive environment

Organisations that recognise evolving workforce expectations and prioritise inclusive benefits are setting a new standard. This comprehensive approach to employee health and vitality is no longer just a trend, but an essential requirement for success.  

Employers must strive to meet the needs of their employees through a combination of tailored products, personalised care management programmes, inclusive network provider care models, collaborative community partnerships, and a focus on preventative care services. For companies supporting globally mobile employees, it’s vital that their inclusive benefits are also culturally relevant and locally compliant.

Building on this understanding, I’m proud to be part of a company that is leading a new era of healthcare focusing on whole-person health and vitality to help employees thrive individually and as part of an organisation. When companies invest in their people by supporting them through holistic wellbeing offerings, they are empowering them to prosper, securing not just their future, but also that of the organisation.

Providing adequate support

Inclusive benefits offerings encompass far more than just physical health; they address all aspects of vitality, such as mental health, flexible work schedules, parental leave and employee assistance programmes. The often-overlooked challenges of chronic diseases or hormonal healthcare, for example, highlight the crucial need to address both the mental and physical health impacts of diagnoses like depression or infertility for a truly holistic approach to wellbeing. Recognising the significant impact that these challenges can have on both individuals and organisations, and providing comprehensive support is crucial to attracting talent and better engaging the workforce. 

For example, consider that infertility affects one in six people globally, while the average global prevalence of postpartum depression stands at 17% – impacting a substantial portion of the workforce. And we know that an infertility diagnosis and resulting treatment can come with attendant emotional and mental health stresses. Employers who offer a supportive environment can have a huge impact on those experiencing hormonal health, fertility, or family-building challenges. They have an opportunity to make a significant impact in a pivotal moment for their workforce.  

Traditional fertility benefits often fall short by focusing solely on the medical aspects, neglecting the emotional toll, financial strain, and social isolation that many individuals and couples can experience. To truly support employees through major life events, organisations must not only offer inclusive, whole-person benefits, but also cultivate a culture that normalises conversations about taboo topics such as mental health and fertility. This then reduces stigma and empowers employees to utilise all available resources to reach their optimal level of whole-person health and vitality.

Building a foundation for future success

Ultimately, the future of work hinges on employees feeling truly supported in all aspects of their lives, from basic preventative care to the more complex health journeys. By moving beyond a one-size-fits-all benefits approach 
to prioritising whole-person health and wellbeing, and offering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges faced by employees worldwide, employers can create a truly supportive ecosystem that fosters employee vitality. 

Employers who offer a supportive environment can have a huge impact on those experiencing hormonal health, fertility, or family-building challenges. They have an opportunity to make a significant impact in a pivotal moment for
their workforce

As Cigna Healthcare research has shown, employees with higher vitality are more engaged at work, which translates into significant business results, including a positive impact on profitability. 

Prioritising employee wellbeing and vitality is a key strategy for driving innovation and growth. By investing in their people and offering inclusive benefits and creating a culture that values vitality, businesses are investing in their own future success.