The secret of highly productive workers, according to one study

SINGAPORE – Employee vitality, or the overall health and wellbeing of workers, is a business necessity, not an employee benefit.

For highly productive workers, vitality is also their superpower.

Satisfied, engaged and committed to success

Companies that invest in their workers’ vitality reap the benefits of an engaged and productive workforce, according to a new global study.

People with higher levels of vitality are more likely to be committed to their success at work.

This, in turn, coincides with higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement, findings from Cigna Healthcare showed.

Employees who score high on wellbeing across eight facets of life – social, occupational, financial, intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental – are said to be:

• More enthusiastic about their roles (89%)
• More satisfied with their job (82%)

They are also “much more willing to invest extra effort to ensure workplace success,” Cigna Healthcare said.

In contrast, people with low vitality exhibit low levels of enthusiasm (22%) and satisfaction (15%) at work.

High-vitality workers build better relationships with peers and bosses

On average, those who are engaged in work also experience greater social vitality because of their interactions with peers: 28% of them believe they can connect with others and build relationships successfully.

Satisfaction with their social life at work translates into feelings of “excellent or very good overall health and physical health”.

Employees with higher levels of vitality also tend to stay longer with their current employer. They are only half (27%) as likely as low-vitality workers (46%) to look for job opportunities elsewhere.

As such, “investing in employee wellbeing, including through employee value propositions and health and wellbeing benefits, emerges as a strategic imperative,” the researchers said.

The study highlighted the impact of the findings in a country like Singapore, where employers are facing talent shortages and competition for world-class talent.

“For businesses navigating these challenges, fostering greater vitality could be crucial to attracting, retaining, and maximising the potential of talent,” Cigna Healthcare said.

Challenges remain, however. Job-related pressures such as the fear of redundancies and the “always on” work culture are among the top concerns of workers. Other sources of stress include the rising cost of living and dealing with personal and family finances.

The foundation of job satisfaction, engagement and productivity

“Our findings clearly demonstrate that employee vitality is a business necessity, not just an employee benefit. High-vitality employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with their organisations,” said Julie Lim, Key Accounts and Broker Relations Director, Asia Pacific, Cigna Healthcare Singapore.

“As the competition for talent intensifies, particularly in Singapore’s fast-paced landscape, fostering vitality is about creating an environment where employees can thrive – one that aligns their personal wellbeing with organisational success.

“Organisations that invest in this alignment will not only mitigate talent challenges but also secure a long-term competitive advantage,” Lim said.

Carol Tan, Head of Human Resources, Cigna Healthcare Singapore & Australia, pointed out how employee vitality is the foundation of job satisfaction, engagement and productivity.

“When employees feel energised and supported, they’re able to connect more deeply with their roles and organisational goals. We are increasingly seeing organisations invest in initiatives that enhance employee vitality – ranging from wellness programmes and flexible work arrangements to fostering supportive leadership and positive workplace environments,” Tan said.

“These efforts not only improve engagement and retention but also empower employees to thrive and contribute at their fullest potential.”