The COVID-19 pandemic and medical inflation have highlighted the importance of investing in life and health protection. Recent insights from a jobseeker-focused platform showed that Gen Z talent increasingly prioritizes health benefits over big paychecks. TELUS International Philippines (TIP), a digital customer experience innovator that designs, builds, and delivers next-generation solutions, is making continuous enhancements to its health and wellness benefits to best support its team members.
Case in point: Anticipating that health benefits are crucial factors in employment considerations regardless of age, TIP offers HMO coverage from the very first day a team member begins work with the company, as well as other industry-leading wellness benefits. This year, TIP has bolstered its mental health programs and will introduce more affordable options when it comes to medicine and other self-care needs of its employees.
Doubling down on mental health support for employees
Mental health illness is a growing concern for many employees across Asia. The inaugural Aon and TELUS Health Asia Mental Health Index report shows that 82% of employees in Asia face moderate (47%) to high (35%) mental health risks. Stress, anxiety, and burnout emerged as primary drivers of reduced productivity, affecting 45% of respondents negatively.
As a staunch advocate for team member well-being, TIP is doubling down on efforts to provide increased access to mental health support and services. This year, the company has partnered with TELUS Health, a global health and well-being provider that extends counseling services to ensure employees’ physical, mental, and financial health, to offer a world-class Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to TIP team members and their families at no additional cost.
“Through the TELUS Health EAP, we provide 24/7 confidential support tailored to our team members’ preferences, comfort levels, and lifestyles,” said Anne Muñoz, TELUS International Philippines Country Vice-President. “It includes short-term professional counseling that provides support for personal and emotional issues, as well as additional support services to connect team members with resources and services to help with work, health, and family problems.”
Moreover, year-round mental health sessions will be available to all team members. There will be a sustained effort to reduce the stigma traditionally surrounding mental health challenges through initiatives that go beyond Mental Health Awareness Month. For instance, in 2023, the company enhanced mental health support for the gaming community among its team members by offering unique in-game consultation sessions with licensed mental health experts.
Enhanced access to medications and extended healthcare benefits
The high cost of medicine in the Philippines continues to be a barrier to access, especially for low-income Filipinos.
To further enhance access to medication, TIP recently relaunched the TIP online pharmacy, providing team members with easy access to a variety of branded, generic, and prescription medications, beauty products, and personal hygiene items at discounted prices. Exclusive promotions and freebies from the online pharmacy partner contribute to a holistic approach to employee well-being.
The company also goes above and beyond in its HMO coverage, extending benefits not only to spouses but also to same-sex and domestic partners, recognizing the diverse realities of team members. This inclusive approach ensures that team members’ loved ones enjoy the same health and wellness benefits coverage without incurring additional costs.
Complete HMO coverage from day one
Globally, industries are grappling with medical inflation, leading to a significant surge in insurance premiums. Here in the Philippines, it’s no secret that out-of-pocket costs for healthcare can be a significant challenge.
This surge impacted TIP with a significant increase in insurance premium adjustments, which the company is absorbing to avoid passing the costs on to its team members. This safeguards complete coverage of team members and their dependents from medical emergencies at no additional cost starting on their first day at work.
Doing so also alleviates the stress faced by many Filipinos, as revealed in a study done by a financial and insurance company. Over 50% of respondents reported stress related to medical bills, impacting their physical and mental well-being.
Muñoz emphasized, “By covering a significant portion of insurance premium adjustments, we aim to lessen the financial stress associated with healthcare, promoting not just physical well-being but also mental health. We want to ensure our team members and their families get the full medical benefits package without any extra financial strain.”
TIP will continue enhancing health and wellness programs to meet the evolving needs of its workforce in 2024. Apart from a year-round focus on mental health, there will be a comprehensive series of workshops, initiatives, and resources throughout the year.
“Investing in the well-being of our team members is an investment in our collective success. TELUS International Philippines firmly believes that prioritizing health and wellness initiatives is not only crucial for attracting top talent but also for retaining employees, fostering innovation, and sustaining growth,” said Muñoz.
