Expanding Employee Wellbeing: The Rising Demand for Diverse Support in the Workplace
Employers are increasingly navigating a complex landscape of employee support needs, according to recent findings from Towergate Health & Protection. Traditional health and wellbeing concerns are still significant, but employers are now facing rising demand in more diverse areas such as caring responsibilities, where 29% foresee an increase, as well as fertility, neurodiversity, addiction, and gender identity, with over 20% expecting a greater need for support in these areas.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Towergate Health & Protection, says: “From nutrition advice to risk of cancer, from eldercare to fertility, and from social interaction to addiction support: the areas in which employees want or need support have reached a level where employers themselves need help in managing the options.”
While the demand for assistance spans an ever-broadening array of issues, there is also a positive trend: a growing number of healthcare providers are now offering specialised services. This includes support for gender-specific health concerns, fertility and menopause care, and guidance for those dealing with neurodiversity. Additionally, dedicated eldercare services are available to help employees navigate the complexities of caregiving.
One of the significant challenges for employers today is staying informed about the support available to their workforce. Experts in the field are crucial in providing the latest insights into available solutions, especially in lesser-known areas like addiction, eldercare, and gender-specific needs.
Effective communication plays a key role in ensuring employees are aware of and can access the support they need. Regular, targeted messaging helps make support options visible and relevant, increasing engagement and utilisation.
Digital platforms offer a practical solution for both employers and employees by centralising information. These platforms allow employers to monitor engagement and provide employees with easy access to support resources, whether they are in the office, at home, or on the move. Additionally, digital platforms enable swift updates to communication, ensuring that employees receive the most current information quickly and efficiently.
Clark says: “Today’s employer is supporting employees through situations that are outside of the traditional employee benefits sphere, and what is perhaps most staggering is the sheer range of areas that an employer may now be expected to assist. Employers should remember that they are not alone and that there are experts available to help them through the process of supporting their employees.”
