The latest in employee health: September 2024

The last week of September marks “International Week of Happiness at Work”, an important reminder that happiness at work isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential to employee wellbeing and business success. 

In this month’s edition of our LinkedIn newsletter, we examine why happiness at work matters and what employers can do to contribute to a positive workplace environment for their employees. Plus, learn how one of our own colleagues plays a critical role in ensuring that employees across Canada are getting the personalized and preventive care they need, to help them lead healthier and happier lives at work. 

How employee engagement can help reduce turnover and drive retention 

Employee retention is so much more than just a metric. It’s a testament to people’s feeling of commitment, engagement, and enjoyment when it comes to their work. 

As employers continue to face rising turnover rates, the ripple effects on employee morale, job satisfaction, and work-life balance—coupled with significant financial costs—underscore the critical need for companies to prioritize employee engagement and retention.

Read on to learn how companies can improve engagement and retention in order to keep their employees happy. 

Keeping your talent means keeping your talent happy

Amid escalating stress and anxiety stemming from the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and inflation, a recent survey reveals that 86% of Human Resources professionals believe enhanced mental health support can improve employee retention.

Employers are also taking note of the importance of mental health support. Research conducted in 2020 showed that 95% of organizations surveyed were committed to maintaining or increasing their employee health and wellbeing initiatives over the next five years, while 4 out of 10 employers considered digital health benefits to be an important part of their retention strategies.

Such benefits provide two important incentives for employees to stay with their organization.  They empower employees to connect with medical professionals to help address their mental health concerns, while the on-demand flexibility of digital health services contributes to a better work-life balance, which continues to be a top priority for the workforce.

A healthier lifestyle takes centre stage for the workforce

Just how important is work-life balance for employees? One study shows that 58% consider it more important than financial compensation. Another 35% would prefer mental health benefits to higher pay or salary. And 28% place the highest value on ancillary services related to wellness, such as yoga and mediation.

Salary remains critical, of course, especially with inflation and the increasing cost of living. Data from Robert Half shows that 78% of workers cited salary as the dominant reason for accepting one job offer over another. Yet for almost half of respondents, benefits were also a top factor determining their decision.

All of this research demonstrates that when it comes to retention, companies would do well to focus on holistic support for employee health and wellbeing.

Benefits matter almost as much as salary

Employees are serious about taking care of their health. Studies show they’re excited to embrace innovative digital solutions such as virtual care which make benefits accessible and personalized. When employees know that they’re cared for, they’re more likely to be happy and secure in their jobs, and have more reasons to stay.

These are the types of solutions provided by TELUS Health Virtual Care. The comprehensive digital health solution may enable team members to access their primary care and mental health needs virtually, 24/7.

Meanwhile, innovative platforms such as TELUS Health EAP allow one-click access to additional services to support multiple aspects of life — from child and elder care support, to nutritional coaching, to legal and financial advice — and TELUS Health Wellbeing lets employees take an app-based approach to help optimize and track their health.

These types of services and solutions help create a positive company culture where employees can stay and thrive in their positions.

Interested in more important takeaways about employee engagement and retention? Read the original article from our TELUS Health blog.

Learn more about how TELUS Health can support employee engagement and drive retention in your organization here.

Get to know the TELUS Health team: Paul Alyward

In this installment of our series highlighting TELUS Health team members, meet Paul Alyward, RN BN, General Manager of TELUS Health Occupational Health and Corporate Wellness. He plays a critical role in ensuring that employees across Canada are getting the personalized and preventive care they need. Plus, learn about Paul’s volunteer experience with Team Broken Earth, an organization made up of volunteers who are increasing access to care for communities in need around the world.

Q: Thanks for sitting down with us today, Paul. Can you tell us more about what inspired you to join TELUS Health?

A: I joined TELUS Health in 2020 after a 24 year career working as a nurse in occupational health, as well as emergency and critical care medevac. I initially joined the TELUS Health family when the organization I worked for was acquired.

Q: What is your favourite part about your role at TELUS Health?

A: My favorite part of being part of TELUS Health is the vision of making the world a healthier place. As a nurse, helping others in health is an important part of why I chose the career – and overall, being able to lead a very engaged team is both inspiring and rewarding.

 Q: How is your team contributing to TELUS Health’s overall mission of helping create healthier workplaces and communities?

A: Occupational health and corporate wellness drive a focus on getting and keeping people healthy in the workplace. My colleagues and I create healthier workplaces and communities both through onsite and in-clinic assessments that ensure a healthy workplace.

Q:  Could you tell us more about Team Broken Earth, and your involvement with the project? 

A: Team Broken Earth is a Canadian volunteer medical team composed of nurses, doctors, and more. Team volunteers take the time away from family and work to raise money required to travel and take vacation for each mission. Our quest is to travel the world and provide medical care to those in need.

I have been involved with the team for 10 years, having travelled to Guatemala, Haiti and Northern Canada. I initially got involved because I realized how fortunate I was in life, and wanted to contribute to making the world a better place. 

Q: That’s amazing, Team Broken Earth is truly doing incredible work in regions where people need access to care. Finally Paul, can you tell us how TELUS’ values resonate with you, and support your personal health and wellbeing? (eg. work/life balance, social purpose, health benefits etc.)

A: My values guide me to want to help others, which is why I became a nurse 32 years ago, and why I joined Team Broken Earth. TELUS’ values of helping and supporting the community are the same as mine. When I became a member of the TELUS team, it didn’t take me long to realize that TELUS’ values were an important part of why the company is so successful. I want to make the world a better place, and so does TELUS Health. 

Want to learn more about Paul’s volunteer work with Team Broken Earth? Read the original article on our TELUS Health blog.

Visit our website to learn more about how TELUS Health supports the health and wellbeing of employees.