World Health Day, observed globally on 7 Apr, serves as a timely reminder for businesses to prioritise employee health and wellbeing, a key driver of organisational performance. International SOS, a health and security risk services company, urges organisations to move beyond simply acknowledging employee health and wellbeing and actively champion a culture of health within their organisations.
The International SOS Group of Companies protects the global workforce from health and security threats of its members and delivers customised health, security risk management and wellbeing solutions to fuel growth and productivity.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group, headquartered in London & Singapore, is provides it services to more than 9,000 organisations, including the majority of the Fortune 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions and NGOs. Its network of 12,000 multicultural medical, security and logistics experts provide its users with support and assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, 24/7, 365 days.
In their message shared, International SOS highlighted that the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates annual health-related productivity losses arising from poor employee health cost employers US$530 billion globally.1 Moreover, millions of occupational accidents and work-related illnesses are reported worldwide each year.2
According to International SOS, preventative health programmes can help to minimise these impacts. The International SOS Foundation commissioned report, ‘The Return on Prevention’, reveals that for every dollar invested in such programmes, organisations can expect a return of $2.53. Additionally, fostering employee wellbeing strengthens talent acquisition and retention, with a remarkable 82% of global risk professionals acknowledging its critical role.
International SOS offers five key strategies organisations can implement to enhance employee health and wellbeing:
1. Develop a comprehensive health and wellness programme: Provide necessary health information and resources, including access to health screenings, educational workshops and mental health support.
2. Cultivate a healthy work culture that prioritises health and wellbeing: Encourage regular breaks, provide physical activity opportunities and healthy food options within the workplace.
3. Offer flexible work arrangements: This can empower employees to manage their work-life balance more effectively and reduce stress.
4. Provide access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and confidential counselling services: Ensure employees feel comfortable seeking help when they need it most.
5. Invest in training for managers: Empower managers to identify and address employee wellbeing concerns effectively.
“This year’s World Health Day theme is ‘My health, my right’. Organisations can take this opportunity to support the health and wellbeing of their employees by encouraging them to actively take charge of their health,” said Dr Chan Yanjun, medical director at International SOS.
He added: “While access to health services, clean air, safe drinking water and nutritious food are crucial, so too is a safe and healthy work culture and environment. Long working hours, sedentary work, limited access to healthy food options can make it difficult for employees to maintain healthy habits. Relatively simple changes at work can increase employee engagement and productivity, reduce absenteeism, and ultimately contribute to a stronger and more successful organisation.”
1. World Economic Forum (2023) | A healthy workforce is good for business. Here’s why.
2. International Labour Organization | The enormous burden of poor working conditions
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