International SOS, a global leader in health and security risk management, recently hosted a thought-provoking webinar featuring a panel of experts outlining how companies can take a proactive stance on employee health amidst the uncertain geopolitical situation in the region. From global trends shaping the future of occupational health to startegies on how to address psychosocial risks in the workplace, the webinar covered it all.

As global workforce dynamics continue to evolve, organisations are increasingly rethinking their approach to occupational health. Moving beyond traditional compliance frameworks, leading employers are now embedding wellbeing into their operational DNA — not just to meet regulations, but to gain a competitive edge. Here is a summary of the webinar:

Forward-thinking organisations are transforming health strategies by exploring global trends, best practices, and practical solutions that help elevate wellbeing as a driver of performance and resilience.

The Case for Change: From Regulation to Resilience

Historically, occupational health programmes were designed around legal requirements - a baseline for risk mitigation. While compliance remains essential, it no longer encompasses the full spectrum of challenges organisations face today, from managing chronic health conditions to mental health deterioration and rising employee expectations.

The conversation highlighted how a proactive approach to health can lead to tangible benefits: reduced absenteeism, improved morale, and a stronger, more resilient workforce. Employees today expect support that is personalised, accessible, and preventative — and employers who meet those needs are seeing measurable returns.

What ‘Good’ Looks Like: Building a Framework for Wellbeing

The webinar offered a clear vision of what a mature, effective wellbeing strategy entails. It goes beyond one-off interventions, requiring structured governance, measurable KPIs, and cross-functional ownership across HR, EHS, and operations. Leadership engagement, too, is a critical success factor.

Addressing Psychosocial Risks: The Role of WPSA

Psychosocial risks - such as work-related stress, burnout, bullying, and lack of role clarity - are increasingly recognised as critical threats to workforce wellbeing and organisational performance. These risks not only impact mental health but can lead to serious physical health issues, diminished productivity, higher absenteeism and attrition if left unaddressed. Additionally, companies worldwide risk audits, fines, and reputational damage due to neglecting workplace wellbeing as regulations evolve. 

To proactively mitigate these challenges, organisations must first understand their risk landscape. 

Global Trends Shaping the Future of Occupational Health

Speakers discussed the forces reshaping how companies view and implement occupational wellbeing initiatives. These include the rise of hybrid working, increased awareness of mental health, and heightened expectations around ESG and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics - all of which place health at the forefront of the business agenda.

In this new reality, organisations must go beyond reactive care. They need adaptive, future-proof strategies that account for changing demographics, work models, and risk exposures. Investing in scalable, globally consistent programmes is no longer a luxury, but a necessity for operational continuity and reputational strength.

Practical Insights from the Field

A  case study shared that demonstrates how one global enterprise transformed its occupational health offering by implementing a unified health strategy across its regions, incorporating virtual medical consultations, consistent health metrics reporting, and onsite services where needed.

The result marked improved employee engagement, reduced medical leave, and enhanced leadership confidence in health-related decisions. Integrating physical, mental, and social wellbeing into organisational strategy is critical when deployed during a high-risk and corporate environments, with flexibility to adapt to local contexts.

The Cost of Inaction: Why Investing in Wellbeing Makes Business Sense

Failing to address occupational wellbeing is no longer a neutral decision — it comes at a tangible cost. The financial implications of poor health in the workplace are wide-ranging: increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, higher turnover, and escalating healthcare claims. In fact, studies consistently show that companies without a proactive health strategy can lose the equivalent of 10–15% of payroll in indirect costs each year.

In contrast, organisations that implement comprehensive wellbeing programmes often report a 3:1 to 6:1 return on investment. This ROI is driven not just by reduced health-related expenses, but by enhanced employee performance, lower attrition, and improved organisational reputation. These gains become even more pronounced in high-risk industries or remote environments where health access is limited.

From Insight to Action

Wellbeing must evolve from a siloed compliance function to a strategic lever for business success. This requires a mindset shift, underpinned by trusted partnerships, integrated data, and a commitment to long-term employee care.

International SOS