Workplace health initiatives and AI offer solutions
•International study across 13 markets reveals that global vitality has declined in the last 12 months, with fewer than one in five individuals reporting high vitality. Respondents report challenges around sleep, diet and weight.
•only 33% of respondents rated their weight as “excellent” or “very good,” and just 31% reported engaging in regular exercise
•More than half (58%) of all respondents said their physical health negatively impacts their daily life
•45% of respondents are positive about AI’s impact on their healthcare experience
Hong Kong, 5 November 2025 – Declining vitality and physical well-being globally may signal a need to focus on the basics – promoting weight management, exercise, a balanced diet, and quality sleep, as fewer than one third of respondents rate themselves highly in these aspects.
The Cigna Healthcare International Health Study 2025, released today with survey results from more than 11,000 respondents across 13 markets, reveals that fewer than one in five individuals globally report high vitality – a comprehensive measure of people’s capacity to pursue life with health, strength and energy.
Individuals with higher vitality scores are more likely to be supported by strong emotional and social foundations, as high and low vitality groups differ the most in their ratings for mental and social well-being. Among different demographic groups, individuals reporting higher vitality are more likely to be male and employed.
Physical health declines, impacting productivity
While physical health continues to rank as the most important area of well-being, its ratings have declined globally across all aspects surveyed. Close to one third of respondents rated their weight (33%), diet (33%), sleep (31%) and exercise habits (31%) as ‘excellent’ or ‘very good’ this year, with ratings among women and those not employed significantly lower than the global average.
These findings reflect a paradox where most individuals wish to maintain physical health but fail to do so. When asked if they have all the skills and tools necessary to live a healthy life, only one third (34%) of respondents said that they do, signaling a demand for more support.
More than half (54%) of all respondents said their physical health affects their daily life, with the biggest impacts being accomplishing less at home (37%) and difficulty performing personal activities (33%). The implications for employers are significant: physical health directly influences energy, focus, collaboration, and overall performance.
Jason Sadler, President, International Health at Cigna Healthcare, said: “When employees are well-rested, nourished, and active, they are more engaged and active. Conversely, poor physical health can lead to fatigue, disengagement, and increased absenteeism, making it essential for organizations to prioritize physical well-being as part of a comprehensive vitality strategy.”
Workplaces need a multipronged approach to health
Although the relationship between well-being and productivity is widely acknowledged by employers, most employees do not feel they are getting enough support from their organizations to stay healthy. Fewer than 40% of employees globally report satisfaction with their benefits, and only 35% said their employer actively prioritizes health and wellness through its actions and communications.
In addition to offering comprehensive health benefits, to close the gaps in healthy weight, diet, and exercise, employers can promote healthier habits through nutritious food options, subsidized gym memberships, and movement friendly work cultures. Meanwhile, flexible work schedules and a culture that values rest are key to addressing poor quality of sleep.
Mental health and physical health are intricately linked. The study reveals that sleep disruption remains the top impact of stress, with 46% of respondents who feel stressed reporting this effect alongside the rise in incidence of stress. To improve physical health and productivity, employers should also look to address stress as an issue and offer mental health support such as coverage for therapy, employee help lines and promote a culture of openness where people feel safe to speak about their challenges.
Guarded optimism in AI
While the adoption of AI in healthcare is still limited, many employees and employers now consider it an enabler. Globally, 45% of respondents are positive about AI’s impact on their healthcare experience. Specifically, 38% felt positively about reduced human interaction in healthcare, and 34% welcomed the prospect of shorter wait times. With a quarter (25%) of respondents saying they have delayed or avoided getting care due to concern with wait times, AI can be part of the solution to the decline in physical health and vitality by removing some of the barriers of access to care.
Jason Sadler said: “AI in healthcare holds promise as many individuals express openness to AI-enabled care. At Cigna Healthcare, we already see the benefits of AI in enhancing the efficiency of our claims process. It also helps us identify customers with high risk of certain conditions, allowing for early intervention. To build trust among customers, organizations looking to incorporate AI in their health and well-being solutions must prioritize transparency, clear communication, and implementing ethical safeguards.”
about the Cigna Healthcare International Health Study
Cigna Healthcare surveyed more than 11,000 respondents in 13 markets – the US, UK, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and South Korea in May, 2025, in collaboration with YouGov – a global public opinion and data company. The nationally representative online survey assessed the health, vitality and well-being of more than 1,000 adults (aged 18 years and older) in each of the markets – the US, UK, Spain, UAE, Singapore, the Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and South Korea, and more than 500 adults per market in Kenya, Belgium, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and Switzerland.
The Evernorth Vitality Index© and Well-Being Index
The Evernorth Vitality Index© (EVI) has been developed in partnership with leading clinical psychologist and author Dr. Richard Ryan and it gives a comprehensive measure of people’s capacity to pursue life with health, strength, and energy. This is closely aligned with our mission to improve the health and vitality of those we serve around the world. We asked a series of questions to gauge respondents’ sense of social, occupational, financial, intellectual, physical, spiritual/purpose, emotional, and environmental well-being.
Respondents were also asked to rate their well-being across seven pillars: family, financial, mental, physical, social, spiritual, work well-being, and overall well-being, with ratings ranging from “poor”, “fair”, and “good” to “very good” and “excellent”.
about Cigna Healthcare
Cigna Healthcare is a health benefits provider that advocates for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of The Cigna Group (NYSE:CI), including Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Evernorth Health companies or their affiliates and Express scripts companies or their affiliates. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and others.
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