90% of employees value wellness programs as loyalty boosters, reports MediBuddy and CII

New Delhi: MediBuddy in partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has released a new report highlighting the growing significance of employee wellness programs in corporate India.

The report, titled “Mapping India’s Corporate Health and Wellness Landscape,” emphasizes the increasing role of digital health adoption and personalized wellness solutions in shaping corporate health strategies.

The findings reveal that a large number of job seekers now consider employee wellness programs a crucial factor in their employment decisions. This trend reflects a broader shift towards recognizing the impact of employee well-being on corporate performance. The surge in digital health adoption, driven by technological advancements, a dynamic startup ecosystem, and proactive government initiatives, has accelerated the transformation of healthcare delivery in India.

The report reveals that 62% of Indian employees experience burnout, which is three times the global average of 20%. Factors contributing to this include work-related stress, challenges of remote work, and poor work-life balance. Additionally, 71% of employees spend an average of 5% of their annual income on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, underscoring the need for more comprehensive employer-provided healthcare options. Only 24% of employees are satisfied with their current workplace health options, indicating a significant gap between employee needs and existing corporate wellness programs.

Companies implementing comprehensive wellness programs report a 22% increase in employee productivity and a 14% decrease in medical costs per employee based on healthcare claims. Furthermore, 72% of job seekers consider employee wellness programs crucial in their decision-making process. There is a growing demand for personalized prevention strategies and convenient healthcare access. Many firms are now offering benefits beyond IPD insurance, such as consultations, medicines, lab tests, and mental health counseling. There is also a trend towards extending wellness benefits to dependents, including parents, children, partners (including same-sex partners), and even siblings.

Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO of MediBuddy, commented, “Employee well-being has evolved from a peripheral concern to a core business strategy, driven by technological advancements and a growing recognition of its impact on organizational success. The landscape of employee well-being is evolving rapidly; traditional wellness initiatives, while valuable, are no longer enough. This report highlights a significant opportunity for Indian corporations to enhance their approach to employee health and wellness. It serves as a roadmap for that transformation, offering insights that can shape the future of corporate wellness in India.”

The report underscores the importance of customized wellness programs tailored to employee demographics and personalized prevention strategies. Employees are seeking wellness programs that extend benefits to their dependents and offer convenient healthcare options such as teleconsultations. Additionally, there is a preference for adaptable wellness programs that accommodate flexible work options, including virtual fitness classes and mental health apps. Clear information about benefits and data protection is crucial, and regular surveys can help address health issues and measure outcomes.

Tech-powered wellness platforms are emerging to meet the diverse needs of India’s corporate workforce, prioritizing preventive healthcare with regular screenings and promoting healthy habits to prevent chronic illnesses. Key advancements such as AI, data analytics, and 5G are transforming healthcare delivery, enabling more personalized care. A key government initiative, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), aims to create the world’s largest digital health ecosystem, prioritizing universal health coverage and a robust digital infrastructure.