Indian companies shift focus to preventive care and wellness programs

Post the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a notable shift in the median benefits Indian companies offer their employees, including a greater focus on preventive care, wellness programs and personalized benefits, says a report by Cautious insurance brokers from data from over 3,000 organizations, employing a total of 30 lakhs of employees.

Companies are now rapidly moving to outpatient department (OPD) benefits, emphasizing preventive screenings, annual checkups and mental health support. Furthermore, mental wellness has become a core component of employee wellness programs, with 74 percent of employers including mental health services. Additionally, companies are defining benefit structures for defined cost structures, giving employees more flexibility in choosing benefits that are tailored to their needs. Demand for pet care benefits is also increasing, particularly in the IT/ITES and e-commerce sectors, which target younger workers and those with pets, the findings show.