- Talent looking for WFH flexibility in future
- Less than half employees receive support they expect from employers
- New tools required to navigate changed world of work
Sentiment and practices around work have changed significantly over the past year, and the latest Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey: The State of Work report shows that while over two-thirds of respondents say they would like the option to work from home (WFH) in the future, whether full-time or part-time, two in five employees say they are working longer hours at home than in the office. Employees also said employers are not giving them the well-being support they need. Comprehensive health insurance coverage that supports whole health is desired by over half of all employees but only offered by a quarter of employers. Further, holistic support for work-life balance, financial education and physical and mental health advice are key priorities for many people, yet fewer than half of those who expect this support are receiving it.
“Hybrid working is here to stay, so offering flexibility to employees who value the option of working from home will help set a business apart from less flexible competitors."
Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International, said, “Hybrid working is here to stay, so offering flexibility to employees who value the option of working from home will help set a business apart from less flexible competitors. Alongside this, it is vital that companies support employees with their whole health, offering clear guidelines and setting work-life boundaries to strike the right balance for both the business and employees.”
In response to the evolving needs of employees worldwide, Cigna has launched the Say No to the New Normal initiative, which offers a range of tools and advice to help navigate the changed world. The offering includes guidance on how to support your employees and family, create a safe working environment, and prepare as people transition back into the workplace. It also includes links to Cigna’s Stresswaves test, which enables people to measure their stress in less than two minutes, and its Body & Mind health and well-being app.
Hybrid work here to stay, but presents challenges
Communication barriers, distractions at home and less opportunity to network are some of the potential downsides to WFH. The lack of boundaries between work and home can also make it difficult to disconnect, resulting in an ‘always on’ mindset. Also, while digital tools have made communication possible, 35% of people said online communication was less effective than face-to-face communication, and 18% reported virtual meeting fatigue.
Despite this, there is a strong preference from certain groups to continue hybrid working. For example, 43% of expat workers prefer to work remotely, compared to 32% of local employees. The survey also reveals a connection between employees’ seniority and their desire to work from home – the more senior the employee, the stronger the preference. In addition, saving time on the daily commute is top of mind for 45% of workers with the WFH option, followed by better work/life balance (31%) and more time with family (26%).
Michelle Leung, Human Resources Officer, Cigna International, said, “Maintaining the pre-pandemic status quo is not enough. Employees have formed new attitudes about work-life balance as well as their employers’ role in it. Those companies that address the well-being concerns of their workforce will benefit through more loyal and committed employees. Updating benefits policies to reflect changing needs will increase productivity and help companies stay market-competitive, attracting and retaining the best talent.”
New expectations of benefits & support
With health and well-being thrust into the limelight, people have been reassessing their priorities and what they expect from their employer’s. 57% of women preferred some form of home working, compared to 54% of men, and 65% of women said work-life balance was vital, compared to 61% of men. Women are also more likely to see enhanced health coverage and mental health support more highly than their male counterparts.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
