AXA Mansard Urges Nigerian Firms to Prioritize Employee Wellbeing as a Business Strategy

AXA Mansard Health, Nigeria’s premier health insurance provider and part of the AXA Group, has emphasized the importance of considering employee wellbeing as a vital strategic investment rather than just a cost. The company advocates for organizations to recognize the positive impact of prioritizing health on productivity and overall business performance.
During a breakfast session with senior HR and business leaders in Lagos, CEO Mr. Tope Adeniyi addressed the rising healthcare costs and their implications for workforce health. He highlighted that while operational expenses are increasing across sectors, investing in employee wellness can lead to tangible benefits in efficiency and cost savings.
“Cost containment is a universal challenge for business leaders,” Adeniyi stated. “However, our experience spanning over a decade shows that companies which treat wellbeing as a catalyst for performance—rather than a mere expense—are the ones that thrive.”
He shared data from AXA Mansard’s portfolio, indicating a direct correlation between proactive employee health investments and lower claims costs. “Reducing wellness budgets in the name of savings often has the opposite effect,” he warned. “Stressed or unwell employees may appear present but are often mentally and emotionally absent, affecting productivity.”
Adeniyi stressed that supporting employee health should be integrated into core business strategy, not viewed solely as corporate social responsibility. “ Caring for our employees isn’t just compassionate; it’s smart business,” he affirmed.
Participants, including HR leaders and executives, discussed the challenge of balancing rising healthcare costs with meaningful employee support. They agreed that fostering a culture of wellbeing at the leadership level encourages loyalty and boosts efficiency.
AXA Mansard Health showcased its comprehensive wellness platform, offering access to over 2,000 hospitals nationwide, telemedicine services, health education programs, and lifestyle management tools. The platform emphasizes preventive care and real-time health monitoring to help organizations reduce costs and improve health outcomes.
Reaffirming its commitment, AXA Mansard Health pledged ongoing collaboration with employers to address rising healthcare expenses while enhancing workforce productivity. Adeniyi concluded by emphasizing the company’s dedication to providing data-driven insights and practical solutions to sustain a healthy, engaged, and productive workforce.