The Future Of Workplace Well-Being

The way we work is changing, and so is the way we think about health and well-being in the workplace. Employees no longer see work as just a way to earn a pay cheque. They are increasingly looking towards their employers to support their mental, physical, and emotional health too. The modern workplace is not simply a place for work, but an environment that provides holistic care for its staff.

For employers, this shift is an opportunity to attract top talent, boost productivity, and inspire loyalty by creating workplaces where people thrive. However, for international employers, the stakes are even higher – supporting employees across borders, navigating diverse health systems and cultural expectations, and the unique pressures of a global workforce all add complexity and costs to the equation.

In this article, we’ll explore the challenges and trends shaping the future of workplace well-being and how international group health insurance can play a vital role in supporting both employers and employees in this evolving landscape.

The challenges of workplace well-being

Workplace well-being programmes are increasingly more common, but many still fall short of delivering real impact. Superficial solutions, mismatched expectations and evolving workforce dynamics highlight the need for a deeper, more meaningful approach to workplace well-being.

Let’s take a look at some of the key challenges facing workplace well-being today.

Superficial solutions fall short

Too often, corporate well-being programs rely on generic benefits designed to tick a box rather than meet employees’ real needs. These surface-level initiatives may look good on paper but rarely address the complexities of physical, mental, and emotional health in the workplace.

According to research by WellHub, more than half of employees believe their employers fall short when it comes to providing adequate support. On top of this, 83% of employees say they would consider leaving their current employer due to a lack of focus on workplace well-being.

Source: WellHub

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The disconnect between expectations and reality

Employees today expect more than individual perks – they want complete packages of benefits that provide consistent, meaningful support for both themselves and their families.

For example, a single mental health day might provide short-term relief, but it may not address the ongoing challenges of stress, burnout, or chronic conditions. Instead they desire employer-funded access to mental health services, such as therapy. Employers must therefore shift from reactive, one-off gestures to proactive, sustained support systems.

This is especially true of younger generations. Gen Z employees are the most actively engaged with caring for their own mental well-being and will expect their employers to care too.

Source: WellHub

The persistent challenge of mental health

Despite growing awareness, meaningful mental health resources often lag behind. Stigma, lack of access to care, and limited organisational focus create barriers for employees seeking help and support. Without robust, ongoing mental health programs, businesses risk losing productivity and morale, and may see higher employee turnover.

As proof of this, WellHub recently found that 79% of employees with access to employee well-being programs actively use them. Yet despite this demand, only 14% of employees have access to fitness support and 11% have access to mindfulness and meditation resources, showing a huge gap between what employees need and what organisations offer. This disparity highlights the need for employers to reassess their well-being strategies and invest in programs that prioritise holistic health.

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Hybrid and remote working

Since the pandemic, remote and hybrid work has become a widespread phenomenon. So much so, that many employees now expect to have an element of flexibility in their working contracts.

In 2019, just 4.7% of UK employees worked from home
In 2022, 25% of UK employees worked from home at least some of the time
13% were working from home all of the time in 2022

There’s no doubt that flexible working has been a game-changer, giving employees a better work-life balance and inspiring them to try the digital nomad lifestyle.

But it does come with challenges. Remote and hybrid setups can lead to isolation and loneliness, blurred work-life boundaries, and an increased risk of burnout. Companies must find ways to maintain connection and well-being in these new working environments, uniting their employees around a single, consistent workplace culture that factors in the growing appetite for remote working.

Global disparities in well-being support

Not every country has the same attitude to mental and physical well-being in the workplace. Cultural, economic, and healthcare differences across regions present unique challenges for global teams. What works in one country may not resonate in another, making it essential to adapt programs to reflect diverse needs while maintaining a consistent standard of care.

Interested in which countries have the best mental health care in the world? We recently analysed 35 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), to find the countries where expats and digital nomad are most likely to enjoy positive mental well-being. Find our mental health rankings here.

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The shift towards proactive well-being

Well-being at work is changing for the better. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, more employers are embracing a proactive approach – one that focuses on prevention and personalisation. This isn’t just good for employees; it’s a win for businesses too, reducing absences and improving productivity over the long term.

Proactive well-being can take many forms. Think regular health screenings, workshops on managing stress, or weekly yoga sessions in the office. These practical perks encourage employees to take charge of their physical and mental health, not only boosting morale and happiness, but also helping to reduce the risk of illness, and therefore the number of sick days taken.

Offering access to counselling, mindfulness apps, or lifestyle coaching on topics like nutrition and sleep can also make a world of difference. These initiatives give people the tools to maintain their well-being every day, helping them feel their best both in and out of the workplace.

The next step to proactive well-being is personalisation. Many businesses believe that one-size-fits-all employee well-being programmes are not working, as they recognise that employees have individual needs and priorities.

As such, personalised approaches are gaining traction, with many companies switching to offering flexible well-being programmes. These give employees a flexible number of credits, which they can spend on the things that suit them. This could be a gym membership, fitness classes, or even creative hobbies like painting or gardening.

Others are introducing tailored workplace policies, such as flexible working arrangements, mental health days, or professional coaching opportunities, allowing employees to pick and choose well-being initiatives that resonate with their unique and changing needs.

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Future trends in workplace well-being

As the workplace continues to evolve, so too does the approach to employee well-being. In response to changing work patterns, diverse teams, and increasing employee expectations, businesses are embracing new trends that go beyond traditional health benefits.

Let’s take a look at some of the key trends shaping the future of workplace well-being:

1/ Hybrid work and flexibility

As remote and hybrid working become the norm, benefits are evolving to meet the unique needs of these flexible work arrangements.

Employers are offering more tailored solutions, such as stipends for home office equipment, virtual well-being initiatives, or flexible hours to suit different lifestyles. These changes acknowledge that well-being is not just confined to the office, and that support must be adaptable to where and how employees choose to work.

2/ Holistic well-being models

Well-being is no longer just about physical health – it’s about a more integrated approach. Employers are increasingly recognising that physical, mental, financial, and social health are interconnected.

Providing resources like financial well-being workshops, mental health apps, and team-building experiences alongside traditional healthcare benefits allow employees to thrive in every area of their lives, creating a more balanced and supportive work environment.

3/ Culturally adaptive programs

In a globalised workforce, one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work. To effectively support diverse teams, employee well-being programs must be culturally adaptive. This means considering local health norms, societal challenges, and the varying needs of employees across different regions.

By offering flexible well-being solutions that respect cultural differences, businesses can ensure every employee feels valued and supported, no matter where they are based.

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4/ Flexible well-being platforms

The future of workplace well-being is about choice. Flexible well-being platforms allow employees to select benefits that align with their unique lifestyles and goals.

Whether it’s access to mental health resources, fitness classes, or financial planning tools, these platforms let employees curate their own well-being journeys. The result is happier, more engaged employees who feel in control of their personal well-being.

5/ Personalised well-being solutions

Technology is playing a significant role in tailoring support to individual needs. Wearables, health apps, and AI-driven platforms are becoming more sophisticated, allowing businesses to offer personalised well-being solutions.

By using data analytics, employers can predict and address employee health needs, from recommending stress management tools to identifying potential health risks before they become issues. These data-driven insights enable companies to provide more targeted support, fostering a healthier and more proactive workforce.

6/ Private health cover

Private healthcare is becoming an increasingly popular benefit, especially as employees place more value on quick access to quality care. The demand for private healthcare has grown due to its ability to reduce waiting times, provide broader coverage, and offer a more seamless experience. This is particularly relevant for international employees who may encounter different healthcare systems, making private health insurance a crucial perk.

Offering private healthcare not only boosts employee satisfaction but also ensures that staff, wherever they are, receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.

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Do employee benefits work?

Employee benefits are more than just perks – they’re an essential part of a business’s strategy to attract, retain, and incentivise top talent.

But the real question is: do they actually work? The short answer is yes, when they are designed and implemented thoughtfully. And the numbers speak for themselves…

69% of employees with a well-being program say their overall well-being is good or thriving, compared to just 53% of those without a program
59% of employees with a well-being program report that their well-being has improved over the last year, compared to 38% of employees who don’t have a program
84% of employees with a well-being program feel they are adequately compensated, compared to just 61% of employees without one
79% of employees with a well-being program believe their HR departments genuinely care about them, compared to only 45% of those without a program

Source: WellHub

These stats highlight a key point: benefits designed to support well-being not only boost health and happiness but also help employees feel more valued and appreciated. When employees know their company cares about their well-being, it can lead to greater job satisfaction and loyalty.

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How international group health insurance can help

For businesses with cross-border teams, international group health insurance offers the support and flexibility needed to ensure every employee, no matter where they are based, has access to the care they need.

International insurance gives your employees access to the best hospitals and medical facilities around the world, making it easier for them to look after their health and well-being.

At William Russell, we’ve been supporting businesses of all sizes with their employee benefits packages for over 30 years. Our international employee benefits give your expat employees access to high-quality healthcare, as well offering financial peace of mind.

With a range of customisable cover options, we have international employee benefits plans for businesses of all shapes and sizes. What’s more, for groups with 20 or more employees, international income protection insurance can be bought through a single application form.

Key features of our international employee benefits include:

Global coverage and access to top healthcare networks, ensuring seamless care for employees, whether in their home country or abroad
24/7 digital health services, offering employees around-the-clock access to a digital support team
Tailored solutions for diverse teams, with culturally sensitive healthcare options and benefits that reflect the needs of a global workforce
Mental health support helping your employees adjust to a new way of life with cover for mental health treatment on our comprehensive plans
Flexible income protection: we’ll provide up to 80% of your employee’s earnings if they are unable to work due to injury or illness, offering total peace of mind

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Find out how we can support your business

At William Russell, we have over 30 years’ experience helping companies around the world provide benefits to their employees.

Our international group health insurance, group life insurance and group income protection insurance can be taken as stand-alone or as a combined benefit package. All William Russell plans provide global cover and are fully portable. 

Speak to our award-winning team to find out how our international employee benefits can support your business today.

Find out more about international employee benefits can support your global workforce

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What Is The Future Of Workplace Well-Being?

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