Bupa has been ranked as one of the world’s best employers in Forbes’ annual ‘World’s Best Employer's survey.
This year's survey asked participants to rate their satisfaction with their employer's COVID-19 response and score them on gender equality, social responsibility and a range of other factors.
Forbes surveyed 160,000 full-time and part-time employees from 58 countries working for businesses with operations in multiple nations or regions.
According to Kate Dee, people director of Bupa Australia and New Zealand, the company's ‘people-first approach’ is reflected in its commitment to ensuring the wellbeing and work satisfaction of 22,000 employees across the two countries.
“Around the world, the response from our People teams to the impact of COVID-19 on customers, employees and communities has been incredible.
“Being part of a global network has been extremely beneficial as it enabled us to share ideas across borders for navigating this challenging period and supporting our people personally and professionally,” said Ms Dee.
The company said it has adopted several measures to support its employees during the pandemic, including a Mental Health Recovery Action Plan.
The plan aims to address the unique mental health impacts associated with the pandemic. It has led to the development of a variety of resources for employees in the workplace and those working from home, including the Mindfulness Academy.
The academy is a six-week program where Bupa employees are provided with weekly information about mindfulness and access to guided meditations to incorporate mindfulness into their lives.
Bupa also offers its employees in Australia and New Zealand with confidential and free to use mental health consultations.
In the community, Bupa said it has supported IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia). The Bupa Health Foundation also donated more than $2 million in funding to projects addressing the mental health of young Australians.
“I would like to thank our people for their dedication to making Bupa a great place to work across Australia, New Zealand and around the world.
“While 2020 has presented significant challenges, we continue to see a strong bond between employees and an unwavering commitment to delivering on our purpose of helping customers live longer, healthier, happier lives,” added Ms Dee.