September 2021

Despite economic promise, the pandemic is impacting today’s workforce

Despite economic promise, the pandemic is impacting today's workforce

What a difference a year makes. Last year, these were the harsh economic realities:

  • Nearly 15% of American workers were unemployed1
  • Nearly 40% of firms were forced to close temporarily2

Now…

  • 57% of small businesses anticipate their revenue will be up from last year3
  • Nearly 50% of them have unfilled job openings4

Cigna is uniquely positioned to help improve productivity for your clients.

Despite the economic upswing, the pandemic has taken a toll on the American workforce. If not addressed, certain health care trends will have a dramatic impact on your clients’ success in today’s business climate.

  • Mental health and substance use disorders were up 10%–155
  • More prescriptions were filled for depression (up 3.6%) and insomnia (up 63.8%) since the pandemic began6

Today’s employers are prioritizing workforce wellness.

When employees believe their employer cares about their health and well-being, they’re 38% more engaged in their work and are 41% less likely to be absent.7 That’s why 92% of executives agree that “investing in a healthy workforce is an investment in economic recovery,”8 and 89% agree that “companies that put employee health and well-being first will recover faster than companies that do not.”8

Cigna is uniquely positioned to help your clients develop a long-term strategy to improve employee engagement while also improving quality and lowering costs. Your clients’ employees can depend on us for:

  • 24/7 live pre-enrollment and ongoing customer service so they can remain productive during work hours
  • One Guide® personal guides to help steer them to higher-quality, lower-cost care

That’s just the beginning. See the many solutions we can offer your clients to make sure their workforce is healthy and productive during these challenging times:

The Power of Cigna to Deliver Results

Integrated Features for Employers with 100–499 Employees

  1. August 2021, Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The Employment Situation – July 2021.” https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/empsit_08062021.htm
  2. Bartik AW, Bertrand M, Cullen Z, et al. “The impact of COVID-19 on small business outcomes and expectations.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. July 28, 2020. https://www.pnas.org/content/117/30/17656
  3. Met Life and U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Small Business Views of Future Improve.” Small Business Index Q2 2021. https://www.uschamber.com/sbindex/
  4. National Federation of Independent Business monthly jobs report – July 2021. https://www.nfib.com/surveys/small-business-economic-trends/
  5. Internal study of Cigna claims experiences between 2019, 2020 and 2021.
  6. Based on prescription claims from Cigna’s integrated book of business comparing 2019 to 2020.
  7. Hackbarth N, Brown A, and Albrecht H. Workplace Well-Being: Provide Meaningful Benefits to Energize Employee Health, Engagement, and Performance. Quantum Workplace.
    https://www.limeade.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Workplace-Well-Being_FINAL.pdf (accessed 9/9/2021)
  8. Findings from a January 2021 online survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, commissioned by Cigna, among 1,800 participants working full-time, including 600 senior executives (director and above for employers) and 1,200 employees. More information is available at https://healthyworkforce.economist.com/infographic/.

Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company or its affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Group Universal Life (GUL) insurance plans are insured by CGLIC. Life (other than GUL), accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and disability plans are insured or administered by Life Insurance Company of North America, except in New York, where insured plans are offered by Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY). Products may not be available in all areas. All insurance policies and group benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For availability, costs and complete details of coverage, contact a licensed agent or Cigna sales representative. This website is not intended for residents of New Mexico.

For organizations with fewer than 500 employees:
Product availability may vary by location and plan type and is subject to change. All group health insurance policies and health benefit plans contain exclusions and limitations. For costs and details of coverage, review your plan documents or contact a Cigna representative.