NEW YORK, October 31, 2024 — While organizations are making efforts to enhance employee wellbeing, there is a gap between the areas employers prioritize and the support employees find most critical. This insight comes from the latest Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey conducted by WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a global advisory, broking, and solutions firm.
The survey highlights that U.S. employers are placing significant emphasis on mental (73%) and physical (50%) wellbeing programs. However, financial wellbeing emerges as the top concern for employees (66%), even though it remains the lowest priority for employers (23%).
According to WTW’s 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey (GBAS), nearly half (48%) of U.S. employees face significant challenges in at least two aspects of their wellbeing. Workers experiencing these issues report lower productivity, higher absenteeism, increased burnout, and decreased engagement. Additionally, 56% of employees experience above-average stress levels, while 37% exhibit symptoms of anxiety or depression.
The Disconnect Between Employer Investments and Employee Needs
Regina Ihrke, Health, Equity, and Wellbeing Leader for North America at WTW, noted that the increasing focus on mental health in recent years has led companies to integrate physical and mental wellbeing initiatives into their human capital strategies. While these efforts have enhanced employees’ perception of employer-driven wellbeing programs, there remains a gap between what organizations are investing in and what employees actually need.
Organizations appear to be least effective in addressing financial wellbeing, which ranks lowest among employer priorities (19%). Meanwhile, only 41% of employees feel financially secure, with many identifying financial stability as their most pressing wellbeing concern.
Despite mixed feelings about existing employer initiatives—reflected in a net promoter score (NPS) of –20—there has been considerable improvement since 2019 when the score stood at –45. Looking ahead, 46% of companies plan to fully integrate wellbeing programs into their organizational culture and enhance year-round communication on these initiatives, a notable increase from the current 33%.
Furthermore, 91% of employers are making employee experience a central focus of their wellbeing strategies, and 37% aim to embed wellbeing as a core element of their human capital approach within the next three years—up from just 11% today. To strengthen their wellbeing initiatives, many companies (71%) intend to improve communication about their programs, while 49% seek to embed wellbeing into company culture.
Enhancing Employee Wellbeing Through Communication and Accessibility
Jill Havely, Managing Director of Employee Experience at WTW, emphasized that the effectiveness of wellbeing initiatives depends not only on their content but also on how they are delivered. Clear communication, accessibility, and fostering a culture that aligns wellbeing initiatives with company and employee values are essential for improving the overall employee experience. By aligning priorities with workforce needs and ensuring employees are aware of available resources, companies can create a more supportive and engaging workplace environment.
