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Press release

Indonesian employees feel well-cared for but concerns remain about disparity in access to benefits: MMB survey

A majority of employees in Indonesia rate their employers highly for workplace care and value their flexible working arrangements despite concerns about a lack of access to benefits for the low-paid.

23/11/2021

Jakarta, November 25, 2021 – A majority of employees in Indonesia rate their employers highly for workplace care and value their flexible working arrangements despite concerns about a lack of access to benefits for the low-paid, according to a report released today by Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB), an employee benefits consultancy and insurance broker and part of Marsh McLennan.

Findings in this year’s Health on Demand report, which surveyed 14,000 employees globally including 1,000 in Indonesia, show that 61% of Indonesian employees feel their employers are concerned for their well-being compared with an Asia average of 48% and a global average of 46%. The country also showed the highest percentage (76%) of its workforce valuing flexible working as ‘highly and extremely’, compared with employees in Asia (65%) and globally (60%).

However, the research also revealed a prominent disparity in the access to benefits among different income groups with less than half low-wage workers (38%) having access to medical coverage through their employers, compared to 59% amongst higher paid workers.

The report also found that nearly 3 in 5 (58%) Indonesian employees trust their employers as a source to deliver personal health solutions that are high in quality, convenient, affordable and secure. Such support has a direct impact to employees’ wellbeing, with only 17% not feeling confident in their ability to afford their family’s healthcare needs, compared to 21% across Asia and 24% globally. Indonesia also reported fewer people experiencing everyday stress (37%), compared to 51% in Asia and 50% globally.

 “The ability of employers to have a positive impact on employee health and resiliency is one of the most important findings from our Health on Demand survey given the challenges posed by COVID-19 to the global healthcare system,” said Douglas Ure, President Director and CEO, PT Marsh Indonesia. “While these findings are positive, employers in Indonesia must continue to build on the goodwill they have gained to ensure they are able to attract and retain top talent.”

The survey confirmed the critical role of diversified benefits programs on employees’ energy levels and loyalty. Among those who have access to over six well-being benefits, about 90% said they felt more energized at work, and over 60% felt less likely to leave their job. As the pandemic has caused significant impact on employee's mental health, 66% employees said that insurance coverage, or a program that reduces the cost of mental health treatment, would be highly valuable to them and their family.

“The survey told us that when employees feel they are well taken care of by their employers, they are more likely to stay, be engaged, and flourish,” said Wulan Gallacher, Senior Vice President, Employee Health & Benefits at Mercer Marsh Benefits Indonesia. “Despite the positivity and resilience of Indonesian employees during this challenging time, rethinking benefits programs to provide varied offerings is critical to future success. Employers must evolve their health strategy to reflect a modern workforce that prioritizes flexibility, a caring culture, and widened access to support their health and well-being.”

About Mercer Marsh Benefits

Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB) was born out of the unification of one of the world’s best loved HR consultancies, the global leader in people risk advisory and the number one disruptive benefits technology firm to form one unique business. Together they have shaped some of the world’s most loved employee benefit experiences for small companies, growing enterprises and global firms. MMB is 7,000 strong, on the ground in 73 countries, and servicing clients in more than 150 countries. It brings local expertise to more places and works side-by-side with clients, and Mercer and Marsh colleagues around the world. Mercer and Marsh are two businesses of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), together with Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman. The Company’s 78,000 colleagues advise clients in 130 countries. With annual revenue over $18 billion, through its market-leading companies Marsh McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex

About Marsh

Marsh is the world’s leading insurance broker and risk advisor. With around 40,000 colleagues operating in more than 130 countries, Marsh serves commercial and individual clients with data-driven risk solutions and advisory services. Marsh is a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC), the world’s leading professional services firm in the areas of risk, strategy and people. With annual revenue over $18 billion, Marsh McLennan helps clients navigate an increasingly dynamic and complex environment through four market-leading businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. For more information, visit mmc.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe to BRINK.

Media contacts

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Phyllis Cheng

Vice President, Corporate Communications, Marsh Asia

+65 8468 9567

  • Singapore