An RBC Insurance poll found that 80 per cent of Canadians say their overall well-being would improve if their employer were to offer a personalized wellness program customized to an individual’s specific wellness and health-related interests and goals.

The poll also found that 94 per cent are more likely to work for an employer who cares about their overall health and well-being.

Julie Gaudry
Senior director of group insurance at RBC Insurance

“The poll really underscores the value working Canadians place on having choice in benefits and personalized programs when it comes to their overall well-being,” said Julie Gaudry, senior director of group insurance at RBC Insurance, in a news release.

“It’s important for employers to design a benefits package that considers the needs of their workforce, especially as new generations enter and leave the market, this is something that can largely influence employee morale and their overall health.

“The data shows that employee well-being is generally higher when they have benefits in place, whether through work or privately. But it’s also clear that businesses need to look beyond traditional benefits by offering things such as health spending accounts, customizable wellness programs and even digital solutions to help promote healthier lifestyles. In fact, over half of working Canadians find health-care spending accounts to be the most important in insurance coverage when looking beyond traditional benefits.”

The poll also found:

• Aspects of daily life Canadians say would improve if offered a well-being program include their physical health (78 per cent), favourable opinions of their employer (77 per cent), job satisfaction (73 per cent), mental health (71 per cent) and job productivity (68 per cent).
• Nine in 10 working Canadians value choice in their group benefits plan, especially women (92 per cent female versus 87 per cent male). Nearly as many (84 per cent) agree that they would be more likely to participate in a workplace wellness program that’s customized to their specific wellness goals.
•  76 per cent of working Canadians would be willing to share their health and wellness related information and goals with an insurer.

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