south african business Waiting too long to check on workers' welfare could cost them billions, it warned.
according to World Health OrganizationDepression and anxiety alone cost the global economy approximately R16 trillion in lost productivity every year, while in South Africa, workplace stress and fatigue are estimated to cost the economy about R160 billion.
Bernice Games, head of marketing at Ulife, warned that companies that wait too long to look after staff wellbeing risk higher absenteeism and lower engagement.
“Too often, action is taken to improve employee benefits only when a problem has already become widespread,” Games said.
“The real opportunity lies in engaging employees earlier and helping them create healthy behaviors every day. When organizations prioritize active well-being, they are not only supporting their people, they are also strengthening the long-term resilience and productivity of their business”.
He said technology-driven wellness platforms and preventive programs can help companies identify risks early, encourage healthy daily habits and reduce long-term costs, creating a more engaged and productive workforce.
“Technology is beginning to change that equation. Digital well-being platforms now allow organizations to continually engage employees rather than relying on occasional wellness campaigns or one-time interventions. Behavior-driven engagement models encourage individuals to adopt healthy habits through small, consistent actions”.
“Gamification, incentives and personalized insights can help employers retain engagement while providing greater visibility into workforce wellness trends. This shift is also giving rise to a new generation of insurers who are rethinking traditional employee benefits models”.
According to ULife, linking wellness initiatives to incentives and data insights allows companies to move beyond reactive benefits.
“The long-term impact of this change could reshape the economics of employee benefits. Healthy employees are more engaged, productive and resilient. Early intervention can reduce the likelihood of more serious health problems that lead to prolonged absences or long-term claims”
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