- Markets with higher COVID-19 vaccination rates report better outlook on health and well-being
- Mental health seen as most important influence of whole person health, virtual mental health consultations increased 89 percent since beginning of pandemic
- Employees expect more from employers, including mental health support and workplace flexibility
Uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations linked to better outlook on health and well-being
Findings confirm the connection between greater vaccine uptake and access to successful vaccination programs, with more positive perceptions of health and well-being first shown in Cigna's 2021
In contrast, markets where vaccination rates are lower such as
"Even as we begin to see reasons for optimism, we are reminded that overcoming the pandemic and its impact on health and well-being requires a comprehensive global vaccination program and uptake. Our survey shows the pandemic has had a particularly negative impact on certain demographics and groups, and understanding this will be vital for businesses and policymakers alike," said
Mental health, closely followed by physical health, seen as important influence on whole person health
72 percent of respondents rank mental health as the most important influence on personal health and well-being, followed by physical health at 70 percent. Although stigma around mental health persists, the rise in adoption and availability of virtual health tools offers an opportunity to help people access the care they need, when they need it. Globally, use of virtual consultations to access mental health therapy and counseling services increased 89 percent since the beginning of the pandemic, echoing data from
Financial well-being concerns are prevalent
Only 28 percent of respondents are confident in their ability to maintain their current standard of living, and 19 percent of respondents say they feel very good or excellent when asked if they have sufficient money for retirement. The outlook was poorest in women, with significant concerns regarding long-term saving specifically reported in the 18-24 age group and retirement planning among those aged 50 to 64.
Family time boosts resilience - employers must rethink workforce strategies
This survey found that global working parents with younger children (aged under 18) reported the highest well-being score of 66.2 and are the most positive group across almost all elements of the five indices. The research found 83 percent of respondents in this group are confident in their ability to support their children's education and 84 percent are positive about their ability to take care of their children's health and well-being.
Respondents reported an increased desire to work from home, with 26 percent citing the greater connection with family as one of the key benefits of remote working. Employers should take note of this trend as employees now expect flexibility and better support in terms of access to health and well-being services, with mental health and stress management seen as critical elements, as well as financial advice.
"Health benefits and better work-life balance are key areas where employers fall short of employee expectations. As companies update employment policies post-pandemic, they will need to address these concerns to retain and attract the best talent," said
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The Cigna 360
Research methodology
Cigna partnered with
Online sampling used respondents recruited from panels that undergo rigorous quality control and the panel composition is representative of the adult population in each of the surveyed markets.
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