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As part of UnitedHealthcare Global’ s ongoing exploration of global wellbeing trends drawn from Optum’s latest Wellbeing in the Workplace survey, this article turns the spotlight on Latin America (LATAM) — a region demonstrating remarkable progress in cultivating a culture of health ownership.
While previous articles have examined shifts in engagement strategies, holistic health models, and personalised wellness offerings across other regions, LATAM stands out for its rapid and strategic transformation.
With 80% of LATAM employers reporting success in establishing a health culture up from just 51% the year before the region offers valuable insights into how targeted investment in financial wellbeing, flexible work arrangements, and multidimensional health strategies can drive meaningful change in employee wellbeing.
Financial wellbeing takes centre stage
LATAM employers are increasingly recognising that financial stress is a major barrier to overall wellbeing.
In 2024, 67% of companies in the region incorporated financial health into their health and wellbeing strategies, up from just 36% in 2023. Even more telling, 64% now allocate budget specifically for financial wellbeing initiatives — a 31% increase.
This shift is not just about budgeting; it’s about relevance. Employers identified three key financial stressors affecting their workforce:
- Healthcare and prescription costs (cited by 43% of employers, up from 27%)
- Daily living expenses
- Large purchases
Wellness coaching is evolving to meet these needs, with 58% of LATAM companies now including healthcare finances as a coaching topic, double the rate from last year. This targeted support helps employees navigate financial challenges, reducing stress and improving productivity.
Whole-person health gains momentum
LATAM organisations are moving beyond traditional wellness models focused solely on physical health. Over half (54%) now address three or more dimensions of wellbeing —physical, mental, financial, and social, up from 35% in 2023.
This holistic approach reflects a growing understanding that wellbeing is multifaceted. Mental health, for example, is increasingly prioritised, with stress reduction and emotional support integrated into coaching and programme design.
Social wellbeing, though less funded, remains a vital component, especially in cultures where community and connection are central to employee engagement.
Flexible work as a wellbeing strategy
LATAM companies are embracing flexible work arrangements not just as a productivity tool, but as a wellbeing enabler.
The percentage of companies requiring in-person work dropped from 51% to 39%, with telecommuting and hybrid models on the rise. Employers report that these changes have reduced stress, improved work-life balance and enhanced overall wellbeing.
This flexibility is especially impactful in LATAM, where commuting challenges and family responsibilities can significantly affect employee stress levels. By allowing employees to manage their time and environment, companies are fostering autonomy and trust which are key ingredients in a resilient workforce.
Engagement through personalisation and communication
LATAM employers are also excelling in programme engagement. Health advocacy services are the most popular offering, and email and electronic newsletters are the most effective communication channels.
Rather than expanding the number of programmes, companies are focusing on driving participation in existing ones. This shift is supported by:
- Incentives: More employers are rewarding enrolment, completion and health outcomes
- Promotion: Nearly all companies use multiple communication channels and employ dedicated staff to promote health and wellness initiatives
- Digital tools: While not yet dominant in LATAM, the use of mobile apps and digital hubs is growing, offering personalised pathways to wellbeing resources
A culture of health ownership
The concept of health ownership where employees feel empowered and supported to take charge of their wellbeing is thriving in LATAM. This cultural shift is reflected in the data: 81% of employers rate their employees’ overall wellbeing as “outstanding,” up from 61% in 2023.
This success is not accidental. It’s the result of intentional strategy, leadership commitment, and a willingness to adapt to employee needs.
LATAM companies are proving that when wellbeing is embedded into the organisational culture, the benefits ripple across engagement, retention and performance.
LATAM as a global model
LATAM’s approach to workplace wellbeing offers a compelling blueprint for other regions. By prioritising financial health, embracing whole-person strategies, enabling flexible work and focusing on engagement, LATAM employers are not just improving health outcomes they’re building more human-centric organisations.
As global employers look to strengthen their wellbeing strategies, LATAM’s success story reminds us that meaningful change doesn’t require massive overhauls. It requires listening, adapting and investing in what truly matters to employees.
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Source:
8th annual Wellbeing in the Workplace survey from Optum