Pressed on both ends - The Sandwich Generation
The survey found that the “Sandwich Generation”, those individuals between the ages of 35 and 49 years and who are often caring for both ageing parents as well as young families, have an increasingly negative outlook on their well-being. As the core talent group driving business, this generation’s well-being impacts economies and society overall.
Workplace wellness programs fall short
Stress remains a pivotal issue, with 84% of respondents saying that they are stressed and 13% indicating that they are unable to cope with their stress levels. Two-fifths (38%) of respondents said that their employer provides no stress management support and the 46% of respondents who do have employer-sponsored wellness programs, only 28% felt the offering was adequate.
What working women want
While stress is a problem for both sexes, working women report that they are, on average, more stressed than working men. Two-thirds (61%) of working women feel that workplace wellness programs fail to address their needs, and half of the women surveyed feel that senior management are not serious about workplace wellness. Working women want programs that are accessible and comprehensive, and that encourage participation, provide flexibility, offer a sense of security, and offer measures to counter stress.
Understanding heart health
For the first time this year, the survey addressed heart disease and the findings were revealing: while there is moderate understanding of Body Mass Index (BMI) and blood pressure, respondents do not understand how these relate to active heart health management. While the majority agree that a lifestyle change is prerequisite to good heart health, one in six people have failed to act on a possible heart disease symptom.
Virtual healthcare increasingly accepted
Health services offered via telephone and online offer convenience, accessibility and affordability, and our survey results reflect this: there is a growing acceptance of virtual health, with 59% of respondents willing to consider using the service for consultation and diagnosis. However, only one in five respondents fully understand its benefits.
To read the full report, visit 2019 Cigna 360 Well-being Survey - Well and Beyond.
