What U.S. benefits pros can learn from their European counterparts

HR and benefit professionals the world over increasingly recognize the importance of addressing workforce challenges to maintain productivity, employee satisfaction and overall business performance. However, those in the U.S. can learn several strategic lessons from their European counterparts. 

Among the critical issues U.S. workplaces face are burnout and disconnection stemming from a lack of time off, the need for flexible schedules, and growing necessity for purpose-filled work and personal development. 

The average U.S. worker earns 11 annual days of paid time, Fortune recently reported, while a recent Harris Poll found that 78% of American workers don't use up all of their annual leave. This contrasts with Malta, our primary location, with the second-highest total annual leave entitlement in Europe at 41 days. 

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Stateside brokers and advisers should take note of the flexible national holiday concept for their employer clients, which allows employees to take holidays on days that best suit them. Traditional fixed national holidays may not align with every individual's needs and contribute to their stress. This approach not only acknowledges cultural diversity but also enables employees to recharge effectively, which we have witnessed first-hand. 

A U.K.-based company implemented a similar policy, offering employees the option to swap public holidays to suit their schedules. This flexibility resulted in higher employee satisfaction and reduced burnout rates, according to the Great Place To Work's 6 Workplace Culture Trends for 2024.​

As the working hours of employees are not necessarily chained to a rigid 9-5 weekday model, their location should reflect this new reality. Our work-from-anywhere policy allows employees to work remotely for between two and four weeks per year, depending on their level of service. Companies like Basecamp have successfully implemented this policy, offering employees the chance to work from anywhere for several weeks each year. 

Performance management solution provider Betterworks found that this flexibility has improved job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates​​. Similarly, a U.K. company, Revolut, introduced a policy allowing employees to work from anywhere for up to 60 days a year, enhancing employee morale and retention.

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Health and well-being are intrinsically linked to workplace performance. Poor diet and a lack of social interaction can negatively impact both mental and physical health. Implementing an eatery and social club that provides nutritious, gourmet lunches and fosters social interaction can improve employee well-being. 

How about staff coming together to regularly share a meal? It not only promotes better eating habits but also strengthens workplace relationships. We can point to having a chef eatery officer who creates gourmet lunches, and twice a week, all employees eat together. Google's campus cafeterias are a prime example of how high-quality food options and communal eating spaces contribute to a positive work environment and enhanced employee well-being​. A similar initiative at the UK-based company Innocent Drinks, where employees enjoy free healthy meals, has increased productivity and lowered absenteeism​​.

Alongside this, companies can support their teams by introducing employee wellbeing initiatives and services. Siffi.com provides mental health and wellbeing support and is accessible to employees like ours. It even includes free coaching sessions, which are a game-changer for employees and employers alike.

Post-COVID, many companies face the challenge of a disconnected workforce due to a mix of remote and in-office employees. Encouraging physical activities, especially those tied to charitable causes, can foster team bonding and improve employee morale. We give employees time off to complete charitable initiatives to support the community and bond together. Organizing company-wide challenges, such as charity hikes or sports events through which the company matches part of the funds raised, encourages physical activity but also builds camaraderie among employees. And we're not alone in seeing the benefits. 

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Salesforce's Volunteer Time Off program, which allows employees to engage in community service, has boosted team spirit and fostered a sense of purpose​​. A U.K.-based example is PwC's One Firm One Day initiative, which unites employees for a day of community service, significantly enhancing team cohesion and engagement​​. 

Continuous learning and development are crucial for both personal growth and organizational success. However, employees often lack the time or resources to pursue further education. Establishing a dedicated program like Casumo College, which offers ongoing training and development opportunities, can effectively address this issue. 

Overcoming these workforce challenges with a flexible approach toward leave entitlement and working arrangements, as well as policies to support mental and physical wellbeing, can enhance employee satisfaction and retention, and drive recruitment.

Burnout rates remain high, according to the American Psychological Association, with significant stress linked to work-related pressures​. Drawing on these successful examples from Europe provides a roadmap for U.S. HR and benefit professionals to follow – ensuring a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.