Cultivating thriving workplaces: Empowering holistic employee well-being with TELUS Health.

As today's fast-paced work strains employee well-being, TELUS Health explores strategies to cultivate healthier, more productive workplaces through solutions focusing on employee needs and organisational success.

The modern workplace is a dynamic landscape, constantly evolving to meet the demands of a globalised, digitalised world. Amidst this transformation, one crucial element remains constant: the need for a healthy, engaged, and productive workforce.

The urgency for action is undeniable. TELUS Health's Mental Health Index paints the picture: Singaporean employees report significant mental health strain, with increased stress sensitivity (49%) compared to before the pandemic. There is also a growing desire (two in five employees) for better well-being support over a 10% increase in salary.

“This is a wake-up call for employers to proactively take care and prioritise their employees’ health and wellness,” TELUS Health stated.

Amidst these concerns, TELUS Health offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to empower organisations to prioritise employee well-being and cultivate a thriving workplace culture.

A holistic approach to employee well-being

TELUS Health tackles these challenges head-on with a 24/7/365 digital workplace wellness platform. This platform goes beyond traditional wellness programmes, offering a flexible, confidential, and easily accessible ecosystem of support. Virtual, in-person, and on-site care options ensure employees have immediate access to the resources they need, fostering a culture of proactive well-being.

Investing in employee well-being is not just the right thing to do; it is a strategic imperative. By having healthy employees, organisations can expect higher productivity whilst helping increase retention in the workforce.

“If an organisation wants to tackle poor mental health, it needs a well-being strategy. That doesn’t mean asking HR to roll out fitness classes or free fruit bowls; it means putting resources and processes in place and training managers on how to talk to struggling employees,” TELUS Health stressed.

Its modern, digital-first Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is at the heart of TELUS Health's offering. This programme provides unlimited 24/7 access to personalised mental health care through phone, video, and in-person appointments, whether for psychological counselling or assistance in other aspects of well-being.

It is intended to be a preventative, short-term measure for issues such as stress, anxiety, and burnout. The accessibility of EAPs is crucial, as it removes barriers and encourages employees to seek help early, preventing problems from escalating. It improves engagement and retention by helping promote a healthy work-life balance.

The impact of this programme extends beyond individual well-being. Studies show that strong mental health support can improve employee engagement and retention, with 86% of HR professionals believing better mental health support can improve retention, whilst 89% of workers at companies that support well-being efforts are more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work.

The shift to remote work has introduced new challenges for employee well-being. Despite this, EAPs are well positioned to address these challenges. The flexible and accessible nature of TELUS Health's platform, for instance, ensures remote employees have the support they need, regardless of location. The programme's focus on mental health and work-life balance is crucial for mitigating the stress and isolation accompanying remote work.

Data-driven decisions for optimal well-being programmes

TELUS Health has a robust data and analytics platform that empowers organisations to make data-driven decisions about their employee well-being programmes. Employers can assess programme effectiveness and ensure initiatives align with employee needs by tracking participation rates, engagement levels, and health outcomes.

This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement and optimisation, maximising the return on investment.

TELUS Health's solutions and EAP deliver tangible benefits for organisations and employees. The first of these benefits is reduced presenteeism and absenteeism. Presenteeism, working whilst unwell, and absenteeism cost organisations dearly. EAPs can significantly reduce these issues, improving productivity and cost savings.

With the help of EAPs, employers are more likely to attract job seekers. Specifically, TELUS Health’s EAP enables employers to take proactive action to reduce the issues that lead to absenteeism, demonstrating their commitment to employee well-being.

Organisations can expect a boost in workplace productivity amongst employees. Healthy, well-supported employees are more engaged and productive. TELUS Health's platform empowers employees to take charge of their well-being, leading to improved performance and overall satisfaction.

As the work landscape evolves, TELUS Health remains at the forefront of thought leadership in employee well-being.

By partnering with TELUS Health and embracing a holistic approach to employee well-being, organisations can create a thriving workplace culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.