Health and wellbeing should be part of the fabric of our businesses, says AXA Health’s CEO Heather Smith
The Health and Wellbeing Research 2025 highlights that in today’s rapidly evolving workplace, there’s a significant opportunity to grow health-related employee support.
Just 41% of employers recognise a health-focused culture in their organisations.
While the report explores the challenges we face, it also highlights the incredible opportunities that come with fostering health ownership, managing costs and providing support to our employees during times of need.
Making prevention everyone’s business
Creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to take charge of their health is more important than ever. According to the research, an impressive 82% of businesses are prioritising health awareness, while 49% are focusing on encouraging behaviour change.
To truly succeed in this endeavour, organisations must embrace a strategy that encourages shared responsibility. We want to inspire individuals to take ownership of their health journey, raise awareness about available benefits, and equip managers, health champions and employee networks with the tools they need to support each other’s wellbeing.
At AXA Health, we’re committed to supporting your workforce on its path to better health, as shown by our expansion of wellbeing services, including seminars, workshops and training programmes that support across mind, body and life.
The right support at the right time
In the 2025 insights, the importance of speed and ease of access to healthcare shines through as a key theme. While there are understandable concerns that delays might lead to increased demands on benefits, there’s also a wave of optimism about how technology can truly enhance the employee experience.
By providing choice and embracing digital solutions, we can innovate and connect with healthcare professionals in exciting new ways. I’m proud of our online outpatient services, which help members access specialists promptly, no matter where they are in the country.
Additionally, our online clinician best-fit matching service offers personalised support through our employee assistance programme, ensuring that every individual feels heard and cared for.
It’s vital for both employers and providers to focus on applying digital solutions thoughtfully and responsibly.
By bringing together services, support and expertise, we can achieve better health outcomes and create enriching experiences that genuinely benefit our employees.
Future health: a vital asset for employee retention and competitive advantage
We must recognise that good health is a precious asset. The World Economic Forum has highlighted that employee wellbeing is not just a nice-to-have; it is a vital factor in attracting and retaining talent. Our Global Mind Health report further reveals that employees are more likely to stay with employers who genuinely prioritise their wellbeing. This commitment is essential not only for addressing current health needs but also for anticipating and supporting employees’ future wellbeing.
The report sheds light on the challenges we face in assessing future health risks, with claims data serving as a valuable source of insights and trends. By coming together and understanding data-backed insights, we can confidently prioritise effective healthcare solutions and investment strategies that truly benefit our workforce. Together, we can build a healthier workplace where every individual is valued and supported on their journey to wellbeing.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, AXA Health
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