Many workers in the Philippines are experiencing burnout caused by work-related stress. According to a Deloitte study (opens a new window), a staggering 70% of Gen Zs and 63% of millennials in the Philippines are feeling burnt out due to heavy workloads. This pervasive burnout is resulting in a significant increase in resignations, with 58% of respondents are leaving their jobs due to work pressure.
In response to this concerning trend, Lockton in the Philippines has taken proactive measures to develop strategic wellness initiatives aimed at promoting employee well-being and addressing work burnout. Here are some of these best practices for creating and executing employee well-being programs:
Understanding the Business Landscape: Tailoring programs to industry-specific challenges and employee demographics is crucial for ensuring that wellness initiatives directly address the stressors and health risks in the workplace. This tailored approach fosters increased participation and engagement, aligning wellness programs with industry trends and business goals. For instance, in the BPO sector in the Philippines, which comprises 1.44 million people and generated $29.1 billion in revenue in H1 2022, competitive salaries are offered due to the demanding graveyard shift. Despite the industry's success, shift workers face specific health risks. Therefore, a targeted approach emphasizing shift workers' health concerns, such as fast-food habits and early-onset chronic illnesses, has been implemented to engage this demographic in wellness initiatives outside regular hours.
Leveraging Overlooked Community Resources: Embracing a holistic and culturally sensitive approach by tapping into diverse local expertise, ensuring compliance with regulations, and fostering community engagement. Community partnerships contribute to the sustainability and long-term impact of corporate wellness programs. For example, Lockton in the Philippines supports its clients in adhering to governmental directives on policy and program development in the workplace, such as Guidelines for the Implementation of a Workplace Policy & Program on Hepatitis B, Sexual Health, Mental Health, Gender Sensitivity Awareness, and Elimination of Stigma and Discrimination for HIV and AIDS.
Developing an In-House Program: Creating an in-house program ensures flexibility and adaptability to evolving organizational needs while maintaining data privacy and security. Lockton has developed the Health Risk Assessment (HRA), an in-house initiative for corporate clients stationed nationwide and in multiple work sites. The program includes the computation of Body Fat Percentage, Body Mass Index, Visceral Fat, and Metabolic Age using a bioimpedance machine, employee profiling through history taking and use of a health risk questionnaire, and lifestyle education. Lockton in the Philippines also updated its resource library with lecture series and infographics based on the needs and interests of corporate clients. For example, in August, Lockton conducted a webinar on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease for National Lung Month.
Fostering Partnerships: Cultivating partnerships in various industries brings people together and promotes mutual support for shared values. As a result of these partnerships, Lockton in the Philippines was able to conduct individualized body assessments via a body analysis machine, provide nutritional orientations from a certified nutritionist, organize Zumba sessions, and offer free gift certificates for gym usage, vitamin C and zinc supplements, antiseptic lozenges, and free eye-checks with discounted eyewear.
Fostering a culture of well-being and vitality within an organization is essential for the overall health and satisfaction of your workforce. By prioritizing compelling and accessible wellness programs, your organization can ensure a seamless experience for employees while alleviating financial constraints. Embracing the three pillars of Physical Health, Nutrition, and Mental Health will ultimately contribute to a more positive and productive work environment.
For more information, please visit our People Solutions (opens a new window) page, or contact Dr. Ma. Eloisa Tan, MD, DPCOM, DPD (Cardiff, Wales), CLSSGB, Asst. Vice President, Head of Health Risk Management, Lockton Philippines
E: info.philippines@lockton.com (opens a new window) (Philippines)
