Employees flock to virtual health care during pandemic, Willis Towers Watson employee survey finds - Seite 2

Virtual care has opened additional pathways for employees to access care, especially for low-income employees, who are more than 40% more likely to say they got the care they needed when using virtual care.

Relatively few employees (15%) reported their physical health had declined due to the pandemic. Nearly a quarter of employees (22%) said their physical health had improved, while 63% indicated no change; however, the numbers are worse for mental/emotional health. Nearly one-third (29%) said their mental/emotional health had worsened; 53% indicated there was no change, and 18% reported an improvement.

Additionally, more respondents reported improvements than declines in their lifestyle habits (26% versus 23%) and work/life balance (27% versus 21%); however, over four in 10 employees (42%) said their social connections had worsened.

“One of the biggest challenges employers face is how to support employees’ mental health and emotional wellbeing needs. This is especially true for employees who work from home and feel disconnected,” said Regina Ihrke, senior director and wellbeing leader, Willis Towers Watson. “While it’s encouraging that many employees appear to be managing the pandemic well from a physical and lifestyle perspective, it is imperative for employers to closely gauge and take action to improve the wellbeing of their workforce. Those that do so will be best positioned to help employees thrive both now and when the pandemic passes.”

About the survey

The 2020 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey was conducted during the first half of October 2020. Respondents included 4,898 U.S. employees (4,481 full-time) from large and midsize private employers, representing a broad range of industries.

About Willis Towers Watson

Willis Towers Watson (NASDAQ: WLTW) is a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company that helps clients around the world turn risk into a path for growth. With roots dating to 1828, Willis Towers Watson has 45,000 employees serving more than 140 countries and markets. We design and deliver solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals. Our unique perspective allows us to see the critical intersections between talent, assets and ideas — the dynamic formula that drives business performance. Together, we unlock potential. Learn more at willistowerswatson.com.

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