New report reveals critical gaps in employers' wellness initiatives
Wellness programmes in Singapore are underutilised and underprovided in workplaces, prompting a call for employers to further understand employees, their needs, and challenges.
Findings from the AIA Corporate Wellness Study revealed that mental wellness programmes are being underutilised by employees, while financial wellness programmes are underprovided by employers despite strong demand.
The disconnect comes amid pressure on employers and businesses to drive "positive change" by fostering healthy workplaces.
"With Singaporeans living and working longer than ever, businesses have a unique opportunity and responsibility to support employee wellbeing and help make those extra years meaningful," said Kenneth Tan, Chief Corporate Solutions Officer at AIA Singapore, in a statement.
Underutilised mental health programmes
Mental wellness programmes are already being offered by the majority of Singaporean employers (83%) with about 67% of employees make use of these offerings.
The findings indicate that current workplace measures are falling short when it comes to effectively addressing mental wellbeing in the workplace, according to AIA Singapore.
It urged employers to rethink how mental wellness programmes are offered, such as by addressing key barriers to employee engagement including time constraints, poor accessibility, and insufficient communication.
"Employers can further close the gap by making initiatives more attractive with reward-based approaches such as earned incentives, free or subsidised programmes, and links to insurance benefits – all of which were highlighted in the study as some of the strongest motivators for employee participation," AIA Singapore said.
Underprovided financial wellness programmes
Meanwhile, financial wellness programmes are underprovided in Singapore, according to the report, with just 51% of employers providing them.
It is the least common type of wellness initiative offered, and is also consistently ranked lower among other wellness programmes by employers.
"This misalignment highlights an opportunity to refine businesses' suite of offerings to better support employees' needs," AIA Singapore said.
It comes amid an uncertain macroeconomic environment, according to the report. It is also influenced by an ageing population and rising life expectancy, which underscore the need for long-term financial planning.
Lack of employee awareness
These challenges come as employers struggle to get employees informed about wellness programmes, with the report finding that less than 30% of employees are aware of them.
But when employees are aware of them, the report noted high and frequent participation from staff. In fact, it found that most employees consider wellness initiatives effective in enhancing overall wellbeing.
The most effective initiative is mental wellness activities, as cited by 83% of respondents who engaged with them. Others cited physical (79%), financial (76%), and social (68%) wellness activities.
"Workplace wellness starts with recognising that more than programmes and benefits – it's about understanding people, their needs, and the challenges they face, and meeting their needs with meaningful solutions," Tan said.
