A new poll by RBC Insurance has revealed that many Canadian workers are interested in their employers implementing wellness programs – something the workers genuinely believe would improve their wellbeing.
The survey found that 80% of working Canadians said their overall wellbeing would improve if their employer were to offer a personalized wellness program – one customized to suit the individual’s specific wellness and health-related goals. The poll also discovered that 94% of respondents said that they are more likely to work for an employer that cares about their overall health and wellbeing.
When asked about what other aspects of their daily life would improve if their employers offered wellness programs, 78% of respondents said it would be good for their physical health, 77% said it would improve their opinions about their employer, 73% said job satisfaction, 71% mental health, and 68% job productivity.
RBC Insurance also discovered in its poll that flexible and customizable group benefits insurance is an important factor for many workers. Nine in 10 working Canadians value various options in group benefits plans, particularly women (92% female compared to 87% male). Similarly, as much as 84% agree that they would be more likely to join a workplace wellness program that is customized to their specific wellness goals.
In exchange for customizable group benefits insurance, 76% of working Canadians said that they are willing to share their health and wellness-related information and goals with their insurer.
“The poll really underscores the value working Canadians place on having choice in benefits and personalized programs when it comes to their overall wellbeing,” commented RBC Insurance senior director of group insurance Julie Gaudry.
Gaudry recommends that employers design a benefits package that takes into consideration the needs of their workforce – “especially as new generations enter and leave the market.” According to Gaudry, it is something that can largely influence not just employees’ overall health, but their morale as well.
