Checking-in is crucial for supporting people’s well-being. According to the latest edition of Cigna’s COVID-19 Global Impact Study, which is tracking people’s health and well-being around the world throughout the pandemic, global stress levels remain high with 83% saying that they are stressed. “Always-on” working rates have also remained elevated with close to eight in 10 checking emails and being constantly available after office hours or over the weekends.
International Markets announced that it reached a milestone of over 3,800 employee check-ins as part of a global initiative to bolster mental well-being amid the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. In tandem with an annual event, a company-wide Checking-In initiative was launched to encourage employees to check-in with their colleagues and loved ones via video conferencing or in-person.
Overall, a total of 3,836 people have checked in with their colleagues or loved ones with more than eight in 10 reaching out to two or more people they care about. Across all markets, 92% felt more connected to their colleagues and loved ones following this exercise.
While stress and “always-on” working levels remain consistent throughout the pandemic, the report also shows that family and friends are cited as the strongest drivers of resilience by more than half of respondents. The initiative aims to encourage employees to continue prioritising emotional health and well-being by actively reaching out to people they care about.
Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International Markets, said, “This company-wide initiative has demonstrated the importance of the connections we have with our families, friends and colleagues. As we continue to gather data that looks at people’s attitudes towards COVID-19 throughout the year, we must also apply the insights that we have gleaned. This means looking at new approaches on how we can better support our employees by identifying and mitigating pressures that they experience during this period. With friends and family being the pillar of strength for many, we must encourage team members to spend quality time with their loved ones. As an organisation, we have the shared responsibility to equip employees with means that can minimise their stress levels and promote their mental well-being. That way, we can all emerge from this crisis stronger and more resilient.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
