Bupa Global is bringing the next generation of digital wellbeing solutions to all Corporate and SME customers with the roll-out of a new Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Bupa LifeWorks is a confidential EAP programme and digital wellbeing platform, designed to proactively support employees’ total wellbeing.
Offered in partnership with LifeWorks, it is an all-in-one solution that brings together a digital experience and clinical support. It will provide employees, and any eligible dependents covered under their Bupa Global health plan, with access to counselling and personalised digital content to support their mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing at no additional cost.
The launch comes in the wake of increased demand from employers looking for accessible and effective digital employee wellbeing support, with data from LifeWorks showing a 90 per cent increase in platform activities in 2020 compared to 2019.
Research from Bupa Global’s recent Executive Wellbeing Index predicts employee wellbeing will continue to be a huge focus over the next year for businesses. Three in 10 (28%) UK business leaders say employee wellbeing is their number one priority, with UK businesses expected to increase spend in this area by 18 per cent in the next 12 months.
Patrick Watt, Commercial Director at Bupa Global said: “All of us have experienced the high mental health toll of the pandemic, but promoting good wellbeing is also about our physical health, our financial health – all are inextricably linked. At the same time, boundaries between work and home life have blurred. Employees are rightly looking for more support, so it’s vital we continue to innovate our services and bring solutions that fit our customers’ needs.
“Bupa LifeWorks is a major advancement for us. We’re now offering holistic support in all areas from emotional issues to everyday practical concerns, and more easily accessible, confidential “always-on” assistance. And our resources are available 24/7 and in 49 different languages, something we were unable to offer previously.”
Bupa LifeWorks also showcases the latest step in the acceleration of Bupa Global’s transformation journey, with an increasing number of customers seeking digital support. The company has experienced huge growth in the use of its digital services in the last few years. This includes a 50 per cent uplift in customers registering for both MembersWorld, its online members portal, and its Global Virtual Care service, which was rolled out to all customers around the globe last year, and a rise in virtual GP appointments.
Bupa LifeWorks will be linked to members’ Bupa Global health plans enabling them to use one single log-in via their MembersWorld accounts to access the LifeWorks content and counselling options.
Watt continued: “The need for this sort of accessible, inclusive, and digital wellbeing solution has never been more critical, and we’ve evolved our proposition to meet our customers’ changing needs.
“The upgrade of our existing EAP to Bupa LifeWorks is the next step on our transformation journey. By digitising and linking to members’ health plans, we are reducing barriers, promoting choice and most importantly giving a streamlined experience that our customers will use.”
Phil Mullen, Managing Director UK and Europe at LifeWorks added: “Partnering with Bupa Global to deliver Bupa LifeWorks is an important benefit for thousands of members all over the world. The Bupa LifeWorks service enables members to access proactive digital wellbeing content and services alongside traditional EAP services enabling members to prioritise their health and wellbeing, which improves their lives at home and work.
“Bupa members will have access to wellbeing content through the LifeWorks native apps, mobile or website in over 49 languages, with carefully curated, culturally appropriate content, engaging members to proactively look after their wellbeing. Coupled with LifeWorks in-country EAP services, Bupa LifeWorks can deliver a globally consistent but locally relevant service to Bupa members, wherever they are located in the world.
“LifeWorks are excited to partner with Bupa Global to help improve the lives of their members and look forward to continuing to support Bupa Global and their continued transformation journey.”
Available anytime and anywhere and in 40+ languages, Bupa LifeWorks services are provided via phone, on the web and through a mobile app. LifeWorks will be available to all group schemes (SME and Corporate) and their employees as standard across all regions, in multiple languages — globally.
Members will be able to speak to a specialist adviser for advice, work-life support and get referred to a counsellor for short term telephone, in-person or video support as well as other specialists such as financial and legal professionals. This is supported through access to hundreds of articles, recordings, quizzes, e-books and more to help support people on their wellbeing journey.
Employees will have access to up to five phone, face-to-face or video counselling sessions per issue, per year for them and any eligible dependents covered on their health plan. If more specialist interventions are required, individuals can access ongoing support as part of their Bupa Global health plan, where covered.
