The Wellness Report
in 2023

Insight

Consider these options ^***

Feelings of loneliness

52% of employees are experiencing feelings of loneliness. Lack of social connection not only increases the risk of chronic conditions, it can also lead to 30% higher risk of early death, comparable to much better recognized risks such as smoking, excessive drinking, or obesity.

• Include mental health coverage for all 6 mental health practitioners (psychologist, social worker, clinical counsellor, psychotherapist, marriage & family therapist, psychoanalyst) so employees have access to the adequate support they need
• Host or organize Manulife’s Manager Mental Health and Mental Health First Aid training to equip your people leaders with tools to help increase knowledge and reduce stigma in the workplace, recognize the signs of declining mental health and offer support

Need to better understand state of health

65% of employees who have 3 or more health risk factors believe they are in ‘good’ or ‘very good’ physical health. Without a realistic view of one’s own health, it’s less likely that they are willing to make changes to improve their health.  

• Provide voluntary, on-site health screenings to help bring employees personal awareness of their health status, which can help them understand what changes they may need to make in order to improve their health (speak with your Manulife representative or workplace well-being team to learn more about our offerings)
• Introduce regular mental health check-ins/surveys to employees

Lack of motivation and time to improve health

• Employees say lack of time (62%) and motivation (45%) are top barriers to making healthy choices.
• Lifestyle and behavioural factors strongly influence the odds of preventing or developing diseases.⁴

• Hold optional wellness sessions during work hours – check out our employee wellness programs
• If you don’t already have one, consider adding a Health Care Spending Account to your benefits plan to encourage employees to take action toward better health – giving them more options and choice when making positive lifestyle changes.

Unbalanced diet

• 73% of employees are not eating 5 portions of fruits and vegetables per day.
• Adults who eat a healthy diet live longer and have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.⁵

• Consider increasing dietician coverage as part of your paramedical coverage
• If you have Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) as part of your benefits plan, remind employees about the nutritional counselling offered through the program

Lack of physical activity

Employees’ physical health can have a direct impact on their workplace productivity: 29% of those with musculoskeletal conditions have seen an impact on their ability to work.

• Consider adding or increasing fitness benefits, such as preferred gym membership rates, an onsite gym, a wellness account, or offer discounts for fitness gear
• Consider adding physiotherapy and massage benefits to your coverage to help members enhance their physical well-being

Trouble with sleep

• 32% of employees get less than the recommended 7 hours of sleep.
• Even after just one night without enough rest, one can become less alert, struggle to focus their attention, and their ability to perform tasks like reading complex sentences and doing simple math worsens.⁶
• Sleep deprivation can also increase the long-term risk of physical health problems.⁶

• Host education sessions / webinars on sleep hygiene
• Learn more about how sleep can affect your employees (“Tips to maintain your sleep hygiene”)

Desire to improve financial health

66% of employees worry about their financial situation, and 33% disclosed that money worries distract them at work. We continue to see strong links between financial health and productivity at work. This may lead to increased absenteeism, decreased employee motivation, strained relationships with colleagues, and turnover.

• Remind employees about the voluntary Financial Wellness Assessment they can complete
• If you have EFAP as part of your benefits plan, consider promoting the financial advice offered through the program with your employees