Dive Brief:
- Employees in the U.S. said they’re struggling to rebound from stress, disruption or unexpected events, and only 35% said they consistently feel resilient, according to new research from New York Life Group Benefit Solutions.
- However, the survey also found that employees rated their overall well-being as 7.5 out of 10, with 60% deeming their employer’s support for well-being as “good or excellent.”
- Overall, employees said financial pressures (48%) and economic uncertainty (39%) were the top challenges to their well-being and resiliency, ahead of burnout (29%).
Dive Insight:
The research highlighted a growing disconnect between well-being, meaning how employees feel each day, and resiliency, meaning the ability to bounce back and sustain performance over time.
“Resiliency is a critical aspect of workplace well-being,” Scott Berlin, head of New York Life Group Insurance, said in a statement. “Employers have an opportunity to move beyond traditional wellness programs and take a more holistic approach — one that helps employees recover from challenges, adapt to change and stay engaged over the long term.”
While 75% of employers said they have a responsibility to support employee resiliency, only 43% percent of employees actually expect their employer to do that, per the report.
Some of the biggest gaps between expectation and reality included manager empathy and post-stress check-ins, clear communication regarding available resources and flexible leave during illness or recovery.
The report added that financial strain, which was identified as one of the biggest stressors, doesn’t exist in a bubble. Employees said it contributed to higher levels of stress and fatigue at home and also led to difficulty concentrating and lower job satisfaction.
Fifty-five percent of employees said that employer-provided resources already help with resiliency. When asked what would make the biggest difference in terms of recovery and resiliency, employees frequently cited paid time off, better work-life balance policies and flexible work arrangements.
A 2023 study from O.C. Tanner also noted that HR leaders can be instrumental in helping workplace culture become more adaptable and innovative by centering on people, recognizing diverse perspectives and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration.
“Building a resilient workforce doesn’t happen overnight,” Berlin said. “It starts by understanding what employees need to recover and then thoughtfully aligning benefits, programs, policies and support systems in ways that work together.”
