New research on employer and worker perspectives on health and the role of digital innovation helps guide employers to better understand unmet healthcare needs, solutions and opportunities.

The findings from the ‘Health on Demand’ survey confirm our belief that employers looking to build a workplace culture of well-being and to improve talent retention should invest in digital health. Otherwise they risk being left behind in today’s competitive global labor markets.

Survey on health

Connecting health and tech in the workplace

By hearing firsthand from workers and senior decision makers, Mercer Marsh Benefits, Mercer and Oliver Wyman have identified promising strategies to boost worker engagement and overall health and well-being — and where gaps exist in employers’ understanding of workers’ priorities. Insights from the survey suggest that new technologies will be a game-changer for US employers that face the highest health benefit costs in the world as they strive to satisfy employees’ desire for quality, convenient and affordable healthcare. Following is a summary of our six key findings.

  • A strong case for digital health

    More than two-thirds of the surveyed senior decision makers say they are likely to invest more in digital health over the next five years

  • Workers value patient-centered solutions

    94% of workers were somewhat, mostly or very willing to try digital health tools that will make healthcare more accessible, customized, and convenient

  • Low barriers to adoption, high trust in employers

    Despite concerns around data privacy, nearly 67 % of worker’s report having some or a great deal of trust in their employers’ ability to protect personal health info.

  • Four different worker segments to engage

    Understanding the differences among worker segments can help employers design a program of solutions with the greatest value to their populations.

  • High demand for a pro-health culture

    26% of US workers and 30% of US employers want a more “pro-health” environment at work but differ on what tools or resources to include to address a wide range of needs.

  • Growth versus mature markets

    Workers in growth markets are often two times more willing to try digital health solutions than workers in mature markets.

View more insights

Understand attitudes towards health tech solutions as you set the course of your organization’s digital healthcare journey. 
How can technology address the real-world challenges of your workforce? 
Which resources do employees find valuable for their mental health and wellbeing? 

About health on demand

The survey is comprehensive in its geographic reach and comprises seven mature and six growth markets across Asia, Latin America, Europe, the US and Canada, including 16,564 workers and 1,300 senior decision makers (100 per market).

The worker study focused on adults in full-time or part-time work, freelancers and gig economy workers; all between the ages of 18-to-64 years. The employer study was aimed at senior business decision makers in commercial organizations of 50 or more workers. At least 50% of senior decision makers are in companies with more than 500 workers, globally.

Contact us

Consult with a Mercer expert on our Health on Demand findings and strategies & actions for your organization.

    • A strong case for digital health

      More than two-thirds of the surveyed senior decision makers say they are likely to invest more in digital health over the next five years

    • Workers value patient-centered solutions 

      94% of workers were somewhat, mostly or very willing to try digital health tools that will make healthcare more accessible, customized, and convenien

    • Low barriers to adoption, high trust in employers 

      Despite concerns around data privacy, nearly 67 % of worker’s report having some or a great deal of trust in their employers’ ability to protect personal health info.