A growing number of multinational companies plan to develop a health and productivity strategy outside of the United States according to a survey by Watson Wyatt Worldwide. Of the 90 companies surveyed 65% currently have a strategy to improve the health and productivity of their employees in the US but much fewer have programs in other regions:
Here is a listing of what types of programs are offered in and outside of the US:
Within US
Outside US
Health promotion
79%
30%
Health education/awareness
75%
38%
Tracking absences
54%
34%
Worklife
69%
31%
Disease management
76%
21%
Return-to-work
70%
28%
The main reason for these differences is that US companies face the burden of rising health care costs whereas in other countries health benefits are often state-funded. 45% of American CEOs are worried about cost trends whereas only 8% of their counterparts abroad are. Nevertheless, many multinationals are planning to expand programs globally, e.g., 35% plan to add health promotion programs, due to the many universal benefits and the increased evidence for a positive return-on-investment (ROI). Employers worldwide want healthy and productive workers.For more information read the brief here: Watson Wyatt