Employee vitality key to talent retention amidst Singapore’s skills shortage

Employee vitality is emerging as a critical factor in addressing the talent shortages that organisations face today. The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2024 Workplace Insights highlighted a strong connection between vitality, job satisfaction, and workplace performance, offering insights for employers navigating workforce challenges.

Defined through the Evernorth Vitality Index, vitality encompasses overall wellbeing across social, occupational, financial, intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, and environmental dimensions. This measure, developed in collaboration with clinical psychologist Dr Richard Ryan, evaluates individual’s capacity to approach life and work with strength and energy.

The study found that employees with high vitality are significantly more engaged and productive. Among them, 82% report job satisfaction, and 89% feel enthusiastic about their roles, compared to just 15% and 22% of low-vitality employees. High-vitality employees are also twice as likely to contribute discretionary effort at work and are far less likely to seek new job opportunities.

For Singapore, where organisations face a tight labour market and strong global competition for skilled talent, investing in vitality could be a game-changer. Flexible and hybrid work arrangements, in particular, were found to play a key role in enhancing vitality, helping employees balance professional and personal commitments while maintaining higher levels of engagement.

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Despite these advantages, the report also highlighted significant stressors affecting employees. Job-related pressures, such as fears of layoffs and an “always-on” culture, contribute to elevated stress levels compared to non-employees. Financial concerns, including rising living costs, remain a major source of anxiety across the workforce.

Carol Tan, Head of Human Resources, Cigna Healthcare Singapore and Australia, commented, “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. These efforts not only improve engagement and retention but also empower employees to thrive and contribute at their fullest potential.”