World Health Day serves as a timely reminder for businesses to prioritise employee health and wellbeing, a key driver of organisational performance. International SOS, the world's leading health and security risk services company, urges organisations to move beyond simply acknowledging employee health and wellbeing and actively champion a culture of health within their organisations.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates annual health-related productivity losses arising from poor employee health cost employers $530 billion globally.1 Moreover, millions of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses are reported worldwide each year.2
Preventative health programmes can help to minimise these impacts. The International SOS Foundation commissioned report, The Return on Prevention, reveals that for every dollar invested in such programmes, organisations can expect a return of $2.53. Additionally, fostering employee wellbeing strengthens talent acquisition and retention, with a remarkable 82% of global risk professionals acknowledging its critical role.
Dr Irene Lai, Group Medical Director at International SOS, comments
The World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates annual health-related productivity losses arising from poor employee health cost employers $530 billion globally.1 Moreover, millions of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses are reported worldwide each year.2
Preventative health programmes can help to minimise these impacts. The International SOS Foundation commissioned report, The Return on Prevention, reveals that for every dollar invested in such programmes, organisations can expect a return of $2.53. Additionally, fostering employee wellbeing strengthens talent acquisition and retention, with a remarkable 82% of global risk professionals acknowledging its critical role.
Dr Irene Lai, Group Medical Director at International SOS, comments
This year’s World Health Day theme is “My health, my right”. Organisations can take this opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of their employees by encouraging them to actively take charge of their health. While access to health services, clean air, safe drinking water and nutritious food are crucial, so too is a safe and healthy work culture and environment. Long working hours, sedentary work, limited access to healthy food options can make it difficult for employees to maintain healthy habits. Relatively simple changes at work can increase employee engagement and productivity, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately contribute to a stronger and more successful organisation.
International SOS offers five key strategies organisations can implement to enhance employee health and wellbeing:
- Develop a comprehensive health and wellness programme: Provide necessary health information and resources, including access to health screenings, educational workshops and mental health support.
- Cultivate a healthy work culture that prioritises health and wellbeing: Encourage regular breaks, provide physical activity opportunities and healthy food options within the workplace.
- Offer flexible work arrangements: This can empower employees to manage their work-life balance more effectively and reduce stress.
- Provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and confidential counselling services: Ensure employees feel comfortable seeking help when they need it most.
- Invest in training for managers: Empower managers to identify and address employee wellbeing concerns effectively.
To learn more on how we can support your global workforce, click here.
1. World Economic Forum (2023) | A healthy workforce is good for business. Here’s why.
2. International Labour Organization | The enormous burden of poor working conditions
For more information, please contact:
Indira Illianti
Group Senior Marketing and PR Executive, International SOS
indira.illianti@internationalsos.com
About the International SOS Group of Companies
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of saving lives and protecting your global workforce from health and security threats. Wherever you are, we deliver customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of extreme weather, an epidemic or a security incident, we provide an immediate response providing peace of mind. Our innovative technology and medical and security expertise focus on prevention, offering real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground quality delivery. We help protect your people, and your organisation's reputation, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, organisations can fulfil their Duty of Care responsibilities, while empowering business resilience, continuity, and sustainability.Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is trusted by over 9,000 organisations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500. As well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 12,000 multi-cultural security, medical, logistics and digital experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days. Between them, International SOS employees speak nearly 100 languages and dialects in our Assistance Centres, Clinics, and offices.
To protect your workforce, we are at your fingertips: www.internationalsos.com