Opinion: Why investing in staff health leads to positive global impact

Today more than ever, the world needs the selfless work of international organizations delivering crucial aid and support during conflict, disaster, and instability. Their mission is vital, urgent, and relentless. And it’s possible thanks to the effort that goes into every area, from headquarters to those on the ground.  

Often operating in hostile and challenging environments, staff members at the front line of service delivery and those stationed at the headquarters face unique workplace pressures alike as they go above and beyond to help others. And, in order to continue doing this, it’s important that they have access to expert health and well-being care, and that every member of the team is fully supported physically, mentally, and emotionally. In fact, in Cigna Healthcare’s recent Vitality Study, almost three-quarters of workers reported that looking after their health and well-being is more important to them now than ever before, yet 3 in 5 wish they had greater support from their employers to lead a healthier life.  

Our study also revealed that more than 9 in 10 workers are displaying at least one symptom of burnout.

Prioritizing health and well-being

International organizations face a host of complex and interrelated problems that affect the health and well-being of their staff members. From geopolitical instability, conflict, and climate change — which can trigger mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and burnout — to musculoskeletal problems and chronic diseases, which can impair physical functioning and quality of life. These problems can also vary depending on the location, role, and age of the staff, requiring different levels of care and support.

Without adequate and tailored health and well-being care, these problems can escalate and have negative consequences for both the staff members and the organization. They can lead to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, lower morale, and higher health care costs. They can also undermine the organization's ability to fulfill its mission and create positive change in the world.

Prioritizing health care, and particularly preventative health care, is vital to ensuring teams feel protected and safe and makes them more likely to succeed in accomplishing the organization’s mission, even in the most challenging environments worldwide.

Inclusivity and culture changes

If an organization is to make meaningful change and fully support staff members, there are steps and solutions that can be taken, and Cigna Healthcare is there to help. Our people-powered health care offers clinical services that are as unique as your team — powered by their needs and guided by our dedicated team. Through the Cigna WellbeingTM app, access to support is just a few steps away for plan members. Global telehealth service is available which allows them to have direct access to licensed doctors around the world for nonemergency health issues, giving a peace of mind without geographical limitation. A health risk assessment is also offered as one of the many services. Plan members will be able to find out the areas of concern, and the coaching and tools to adopt a healthier lifestyle. Our mission mirrors yours; we want to create positive change and improve lives and we can do that through better health and well-being care.

It’s important to understand your workplace needs and the trends within the organization. Actively listening to staff members and understanding how they’re feeling is crucial to building trust and identifying key areas for action to help make a real difference. Our study found that 56% of the respondents agreed that a robust health and well-being program creates a more positive work environment. Health insurance ranked second, behind flexible working, as the preferred element of a robust health and well-being program.

Once key areas are identified it’s important to plan how to address them. Actively involving all partners to help implement meaningful change will better shape the culture while also championing diversity and inclusivity.

Leadership teams at every level should be seen to be advocating for, and championing, the importance of health and well-being.  

Invest in your people

To see your organization and your people thrive, a good place to start is the development of a workplace health and well-being plan that focuses on flexibility, empathy, prevention, and engagement, allowing your people to focus on their mission and bring their best selves to work.

Our new initiative, Your Health Plan, Your Growth Plan, aims to raise awareness about the importance of promoting employee health and vitality so people across the organization are better equipped and supported to fulfill their mission.

We aim to provide tailored solutions for your group’s specific requirements, with unrivaled global access to affordable, quality care that is flexible and transparent, with the shared end goal of keeping your team healthy.

With dedicated teams across client management, customer service, regional representatives, and clinical, we strive to ensure your people feel fully supported and protected throughout their health journey, wherever they are.

Interested in how Cigna Healthcare empowers your organization? Discover more here.