According to the World Health Organization (WHO) health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of infirmity or disease”. Definition that has replaced the idea of health as the absence of biological diseases.
Today this concept considers social and environmental determinants. Labor conditions and risks need to be detected, evaluated and controlled to have a positive impact on the workforce, and their negative impact can be devastating for employees and organizations.
The deterioration of a collaborator’s health may have reasons related to macroeconomic, political, environmental and social determinants that may increase biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial risks in the workplace.
In health and well-being, the world faces risks that impact political, social and economic contexts; associated with health coverage (vaccination, prevention and timely care); mental health (depression, anxiety and stress); absenteeism, professional wear (burnout) and occupational diseases that impact the productivity, profitability and safety of organizations; environmental determinants such as climate change, air pollution, urbanization; chronic diseases; disparities in access to health for people in vulnerable situations, among others.
Our recent study “People Risk” specifies the five pillars of people risk that are having the greatest impact on companies throughout Latin America. (85%) of organizations affirm that the risks of health, safety, burnout and mental health of employees remain the greatest threat. 76% of companies address this risk and have roles and responsibilities to manage it. 82% of companies manage health and wellness, but only 49% have effective systems and communications in place to support a culture of employee safety. Focus on workforce mental health issues is only addressed by 66% of companies.
In our 2022 Global Insurer Survey, we identified medical trends that will be shaping 2023. 55% report an increase in later-stage disease diagnoses due to deferred care, quarantines and fears of infection during the pandemic. 16% of insurers report that they do not provide mental health plans. Insurers have a limited reach and companies only offer telephone help to employees.
In conclusion; The challenge for organizations is great but viable. The well-being of the worker determines the long-term effectiveness of an organization. It is necessary to invest in the identification, evaluation and control of risks to the health of employees, as well as in the development, update or reinforcement of health and well-being programs in this 2023 taking into account the series of labor order determinants that can impact employees. the employees.
* Director Wellness, Health & Claims at Mercer Marshos in Latin America