Management Consulting

Aon’s 2021 Global Wellbeing Survey revealed significant insights into the challenges faced by organizations regarding employee wellbeing and its direct impact on business performance. The survey highlighted that while 87% of companies globally have at least one wellbeing initiative, only 55% have a comprehensive wellbeing strategy. This disconnect indicates that many organizations are not fully leveraging their wellbeing initiatives to enhance employee engagement and overall performance. The survey found that organizations that improve their employee wellbeing performance by 3% can expect a 1% increase in customer satisfaction and retention. Furthermore, a 3.5% improvement correlates with a 1% increase in employee satisfaction and customer acquisition, while a 4% improvement can lead to a 1% increase in company profit and a 1% decrease in employee turnover. This data underscores the importance of a strategic approach to wellbeing rather than relying solely on standalone initiatives. In the UK specifically, 91% of companies reported having wellbeing initiatives, yet only 53% had a formal strategy in place. The survey identified company culture as the primary driver for developing a business case for wellbeing, with leadership support being crucial for the success of these initiatives. Dr. Avneet Kaur, EMEA Wellbeing Solutions Leader at Aon, emphasized that effective wellbeing strategies must be integrated into the broader business and talent strategy to foster resilience and enhance overall company performance. The survey also pointed out that despite the prevalence of health and wellbeing initiatives, only 30% of employees reported feeling resilient. The top wellbeing risks affecting company performance included stress, burnout, and anxiety, with work-life balance being the most significant issue in the EMEA region. This indicates a pressing need for organizations to address emotional wellbeing and resilience as part of their strategic focus to improve employee engagement and business outcomes.