International SOS’ risk outlook study helps organizations determine and resolve gaps in protecting employee health and security. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
ORGANIZATIONS worldwide are set to increase investment in employee health according to the International SOS Risk Outlook 2022.
The survey of nearly 1,000 risk professionals across 75 countries, coupled with insight from the Workforce Resilience Council and International SOS proprietary data, revealed that 56 percent of organizations plan to increase spending on both mental and physical health support. While 68 percent of organizations expect an increase or the same types of risks in 2022.
International SOS disclosed the top five risks or expected causes of decreased employee productivity in 2022 were Covid-19; mental health issues; natural disasters, including extreme weather; transport concerns; and security threats and civil unrest.
Other possible disruptors in 2022 are perennial security risks with 21 percent citing natural disasters and extreme weather, domestic and international travel transport at 19 percent, and security threats and civil unrest at 16 percent.
Dr. Neil Nerwich, group medical director of International SOS said, “With many experts predicting 2022 will be the year of the ‘great resignation,’ organizations must ensure they provide the necessary support for employees.”
Mick Sharp, group director of Security Services at International SOS said, “Crime, civil unrest, terrorism or other geopolitical issues have not gone away due to the pandemic.
With the increased use of vaccine mandates or restrictions on unvaccinated individuals around the world, we can expect to see tensions heighten throughout 2022. Natural disasters, geopolitics, domestic conflict and crime will continue to impact organizations globally.” International SOS also predicted that pandemic-disrupted activities will have a degree of stability by 2023.
