Corporate leaders are desperate to ensure that the high benefits that employees increasingly expect actually produce positive outcomes, such as increased productivity and engagement. This pressure is particularly evident in welfare support, where there is a large disconnect between what workers want and what companies provide.
Earlier this year, Marsh McLennan, a professional services firm and parent company of HR consulting firm Mercer, launched @YourBest, an app that provides employees with personalized health recommendations and services. As of November, more than 20% of Marsh McLennan’s 85,000 employees used the platform. For comparison, the utilization rate of employee assistance programs typically hovers below 10%.
After employees sign up for the app, they complete an assessment that generates a ton of customized recommendations to improve their well-being. This process is similar to that of styling services like Stitch Fix, which recommends personalized clothing and accessory products based on a user’s preferences.
“We’ve found that embracing human and digital healthcare delivery, including facilitating virtual care benefits, has grown during the pandemic,” said Carmen Fernandez, chief human resources officer at Marsh McLennan. It’s a thing.” “Increasingly, colleagues want to have the same experiences both outside and inside work.”
Recommendations include advice to start saving money, tips on staying hydrated, ways to express gratitude, and more. The platform also encourages users to avail benefits.
“It is intended to be a one-stop shop for all your health questions, issues and needs – mental, financial and social. [topics]” says Fernandez.
There is also a gamification aspect to increase employee engagement. Users can earn points on the platform by participating in various activities, for example, and can use those points to unlock additional activities or take part in challenges with colleagues.
On the employer side, Fernandes says the platform will give teams insight into the benefits support that employees crave most, such as building resilience and navigating uncertain times. Masu. “Through health assessments, we have the ability to understand the needs of our colleagues. And we pulse that on a regular basis to understand how they are evolving.”
Paige McGloughlin
paige.mcglauflin@fortune.com
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The most compelling data, quotes and insights from the field.
Your pet may be back in the office soon. according to Toward new research on Management Journal.
Allowing pets in the office promotes employee health, collaboration, and co-worker bonding. according to Toward new research on Management Journal. However, it is not without its downsides, including some employees objecting due to cultural or religious reasons, phobias or bad experiences, hygiene or allergy concerns.
Leaders considering allowing pets in the office should set clear policies, including when and where animals are welcome and owner responsibilities.
around the table
A roundup of the most important HR headlines.
– Some companies are renting out workspace WeWork-style to accommodate remote employees and save on the cost of long-term office leases. financial times
– Job satisfaction has fallen to its lowest level since 2020 due to the pitfalls of inflation, a slowing job market and changing office requirements. wall street journalI
– The St. Louis Federal Reserve’s Economic Equity Institute expects pandemic-related job gains to continue for some time. But opportunities for minority groups are often reversible. Reuters
– More and more employees are opting for pension plans instead of 401(k)-style retirement plans. new york times
water cooler
Everything you need to know luck.
pay for accommodation.A slight majority of hybrid workers say: Face-to-face work pays better It will motivate them to come to the office more often. Approximately 4% of HR professionals offer this return-to-work incentive. —Wyatt Grantham Phillips, AP
clear the table. AI improves creativity. Automate approximately 70% of employee management taskssaid the global leader of AI company QuantumBlack. luck CEO Alan Murray. —chloe taylor
split the beer. Gen Z workers Better response to return-to-office obligations That’s because they see the benefits of networking and training more than millennials, according to a new study by Nick Bloom, a professor at Stanford University and an expert on remote work. —steve molman
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