As global workforce dynamics continue to evolve, organizations are increasingly rethinking their approach to occupational health. Moving beyond traditional compliance frameworks, leading organizations are now embedding wellbeing into their operational DNA, not just to meet regulations, but to gain a competitive edge.
In the recent webinar hosted by Dr Olivier Lo and Dr Athenais Sivaloganathan, Rethinking Occupational Wellbeing: From Compliance to Competitive Advantage, our experts examined how forward-thinking organizations transform health strategies.
The Case for Change: From Regulation to Resilience
Historically, occupational health programs were designed around legal requirements, as a baseline for risk mitigation. ’Compliance’ no longer encompasses the full spectrum of challenges organizations face today, from managing chronic health conditions to mental health deterioration and rising employee expectations.
The conversation highlighted how a proactive approach to health can lead to tangible benefits such as:
- Reduced absenteeism
- Improved morale
- A stronger, more resilient workforce
Employees today expect support that is personalized, accessible, and preventative, and employers who meet those needs are seeing measurable returns.
What ‘Good’ Looks Like: Building a Framework for Wellbeing
Our earlier webinar demonstrated what a mature, effective wellbeing strategy entails. It goes beyond one-off interventions, requiring structured governance, measurable KPIs, and cross-functional ownership across HR, EHS, and operations.
A key model presented was HealthCore360, International SOS’ holistic framework designed to integrate physical, mental, and social wellbeing into organizational strategy.
From health risk assessments and medical screenings to wellness coaching and mental health programs, HealthCore360 offers a 360-degree view tailored to the specific needs of each workforce.
Addressing Psychosocial Risks and the Cost of Inaction
Psychosocial risks, including work-related stress, burnout, bullying, and lack of clarity, are increasingly recognized as critical threats to workforce wellbeing and organizational performance. Left unaddressed, these risks can lead to:
- Serious physical and mental health issues
- Diminished productivity
- Higher absenteeism and turnover
- Potential audits, fines, or reputational damage as regulations evolve
The financial implications of inaction are significant. Studies show that organizations without a proactive wellbeing strategy can lose 10 - 15% of payroll annually due to indirect costs such as absenteeism, reduced productivity, and turnover1.
In contrast, implementing a comprehensive wellbeing program, particularly one addressing psychosocial risks, can deliver a 3:1 to 6:1 return on investment, driven by reduced healthcare expenses, improved performance, lower attrition, and enhanced organizational reputation.
What is a Workplace Psychosocial Safety Assessments (WPSA)?
A WPSA provides a structured approach to understanding and managing psychosocial risks. By assessing psychosocial hazards across diverse work environments, a WPSA equip employers with data-driven insights to implement targeted interventions, improve morale, ensure regulatory compliance, and build a culture of psychological safety.
Global Trends Shaping the Future of Occupational Health
The forces reshaping how companies view and implement occupational wellbeing initiatives include:
- the rise of hybrid working,
- increased awareness of mental health,
Organizations need adaptive, future-proof strategies for changing demographics, work models, and risk exposures. Investing in scalable, globally consistent programs is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for operational continuity and reputational strength.
How We Supported a Client in India With a Customized Digital Health Check
A Fortune 500 technology company in India faced mounting challenges in delivering annual health checks to its workforce. With 180,000 employees spread across more than 15 cities, including 30,000 eligible for checks each year, the existing manual process managed by a third-party administrator was falling short. Remote employees struggled with access, results were inconsistent, and the lack of digital data left the company without actionable insights into employee health.
International SOS partnered with the company to transform the program through a customized digital health check platform. By curating a network of over 150 diagnostic providers and streamlining health check packages, the program achieved more than 50% cost savings while simplifying employee access.
The digital platform enabled seamless scheduling, data collection, and report generation, while interactive analytics provided leadership with clear visibility into health trends, usage, and provider performance. The result was not only improved employee experience but also stronger organizational resilience supported by data-driven decision-making. This example underscored how HealthCore360 can be effectively deployed in high-risk and corporate environments, with flexibility to adapt to local contexts.
- Total Financial Impact of Employee Absences Across the United States, China, Australia, Europe, India and Mexico – a research report by the Society for HR Management (SHRM).
From Insight to Action
Wellbeing must evolve from a siloed compliance function to a strategic lever for business success. This requires a mindset shift, underpinned by trusted partnerships, integrated data, and a commitment to long-term employee care.
International SOS supports this journey with end-to-end solutions that can be tailored by region, industry, and risk profile. From boardroom consulting to frontline security and medical services, our experts work alongside your teams to embed resilience and wellbeing into daily operations, so your people, and your business, can thrive.