Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB), a division of Marsh McLennan, a global company focused on redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and promoting genuine health and well-being in business, held its 4th Health and Well-being Forum titled “The Return on Investing in Your People.” This event aimed to emphasize the importance of comprehensive well-being management within organizations and to share strategies for overcoming barriers to implementing effective well-being programs. Its goal was to improve working conditions and effectively mitigate risks to employee health.
4th Health and Wellness Forum “The Return on Investing in Your People”
At the 4th Forum, HR specialists and wellness program implementers discussed the benefits of such programs. They emphasized that companies with robust wellness programs experience a 28% reduction in absenteeism and a productivity increase of more than 19%.
They presented data showing that organizations can save up to 35% on healthcare costs and improve talent retention by 20% through effective wellness programs. The forum also addressed the impact of mental health on organizational sustainability. They noted that 76% of employees experience work-related stress, which negatively affects performance and general well-being. The participants agreed that employee health and well-being are crucial for the long-term success of companies.
Mercer’s Health and Wellbeing Forum has been held annually for four years. In an interview, Adrian Almazan, Director of Health Consulting at Mercer Marsh Benefits, explained that the forum originated in 2021 with the goal of raising awareness among organizations regarding the importance of comprehensive and precise management of employee well-being and health.
“At that time, COVID was the catalyst, essentially putting all organizations on edge. The forum became an annual event where we invited participants virtually. Over the first three years, over 2,500 individuals attended, including human resources leaders, risk managers, compensation managers, and benefits managers who are committed to changing the dynamic within their organizations,” said Almazan. “This year, for the first time, we decided to host a hybrid event, with the possibility of having some clients in person. Over the first two sessions, we had 1,200 people connected nationwide.”
The event featured four presentations and included the participation of leaders from companies such as Teva, Mastercard, Lapi, Welbe, Previta, Dentalia, Resoluté, Toyota, El Puerto de Liverpool, among others. These companies, who have consistently been at the forefront of well-being, social security, and human resources issues, highlighted the significant impact that the inclusion of well-being programs has on organizational perception and development.
The Return on Investing in Your People: Mercer Marsh Benefits’ Focus on Employee Well-being
A Growing Focus on Employee Well-being
Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB), a division of Marsh McLennan, understands the crucial significance of employee well-being in today’s business landscape. Committed to redefining the world of work, reshaping retirement and investment outcomes, and promoting genuine health and well-being within organizations, MMB hosted its 4th Health and Well-being Forum titled “The Return on Investing in Your People.”
This event aimed to:
- Promote the importance of comprehensive well-being management in organizations.
- Share strategies to overcome obstacles hindering the effective implementation of well-being programs.
- Improve working conditions and mitigate risks to employees’ health.
The Tangible Benefits of Well-being Programs
The forum highlighted compelling data demonstrating the profound impact of well-being programs on organizations.
- Reduced Absenteeism and Increased Productivity: Companies implementing well-being programs experienced a 28% decrease in absenteeism and a 19% increase in productivity.
- Cost Savings and Talent Retention: Organizations realized medical cost savings of up to 35% and a 20% improvement in talent retention rates.
- Mental Health and Organizational Sustainability: A staggering 76% of employees endure work-related stress, negatively affecting their performance and overall well-being. This underscores the vital role of employee health and well-being in organizational sustainability.
The Evolution of Mercer’s Health and Wellbeing Forum
Mercer’s Health and Wellbeing Forum has successfully taken place for four consecutive years. Adrián Almazán, Director of Health Consulting at Mercer Marsh Benefits, shared insights into the forum’s evolution:
“We started with the goal of raising awareness among organizations regarding the importance of managing employee well-being and health comprehensively and precisely.”
“Initially, the impetus, if you will, was the COVID-19 pandemic and how it was putting practically all companies to the test. It became an annual event, inviting participants virtually. Over the first three years, more than 2,500 individuals attended, encompassing HR leaders, risk managers, compensation managers, and benefits managers. These individuals were genuinely interested in transforming this dynamic within their organizations.”
“2024 marks the first year we opted for a hybrid event, incorporating the option for clients to participate in person. In the first two sessions, 1,200 people were connected nationwide,” stated Almazán.
Key Takeaways and Impactful Presentations
The forum featured four insightful presentations and included the participation of prominent leaders from companies such as:
- Teva
- Mastercard
- Lapi
- Welbe
- Previta
- Dentalia
- Resoluté
- Toyota
- El Puerto de Liverpool
These companies, long at the forefront of well-being, Social Security, and Human Resources issues, emphasized that the adoption of well-being programs significantly impacts an organization’s perception and development.
The Road Ahead: Cultivating a Well-being Culture
The success of Mercer Marsh Benefits’ Health and Wellbeing Forum showcases the growing recognition of employee well-being’s paramount importance. Organizations are increasingly embracing the benefits of implementing holistic well-being programs. This commitment to creating a culture that prioritizes employee health and well-being is essential for fostering a sustainable and thriving workforce.
