Why vitality is the new frontier for workplace wellbeing

Taking a more holistic approach to workplace wellbeing can be a great way to keep employees happy and engaged. It’s been dubbed “vitality”, and employers who understand the impact can help create a thriving workplace.

As discussed by Effectory: “An employee is vital if there is a good balance between stress and energy. An employee will feel good at work and will also stay healthy and vital. If an employee does not feel vital, the result can be that he does not feel good at work either. After all, you need energy to be able to work. Those who feel good and healthy can work longer and with more enjoyment.”

Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study 2023 outlined the importance of getting it right and the top influencers on workers’ vitality. According to the study, the top indicators were:

1. I really value learning new things and understanding more and more (53 per cent).
2. I know places I can always go in which I feel safe and well (50 per cent).
3. I choose to prioritise my physical health (43 per cent).
4. I can successfully build connections with others (43 per cent).
5. I look forward to each new day (42 per cent).
6. I feel capable of managing my emotions (42 per cent).
7. I have the freedoms and opportunities to financially support myself (41 per cent).
8. I have all the skills and tools necessary to live a healthy life (40 per cent).

“It’s clear that health and wellbeing are more complicated than ever before. As individuals and as employers, we need to take account of people’s whole environment – with all its interconnected facets and vulnerabilities,” commented Dr Stella George, chief medical officer at Cigna Healthcare.

One of the biggest hindrances to vitality was stress. According to Cigna Healthcare, 80 per cent of workers were impacted by stress in 2023. The biggest causes of this stress were:

1. Current cost of living (47 per cent)
2. Uncertainty about the future (38 per cent)
3. Personal finance (38 per cent)

It’s clear that finances are a big issue for the current worker. There are some effective ways of dealing with these challenges. The data listed some of the key wellbeing drivers for employees:

1. Private health insurance plans (64 per cent)
2. Flexible time off (48 per cent)
3. Mental health support (36 per cent)
4. Wellness programs (30 per cent)
5. Gym memberships (25 per cent)

Jason Sadler, Cigna Healthcare president, said: “Amid a rising cost of living and greater expectations for employee wellbeing, organisations must bolster efforts to provide appropriate support as well as educating and empowering people with tools and information to improve health and overall vitality.”