When it comes to good health, it’s all about the whole picture. People take into account their physical, emotional and financial health when assessing their well-being. And since such a significant number of waking hours are spent at work, employers are rethinking conventional approaches to workplace wellness, shifting to become more holistic and taking on a more supportive role to help employees achieve better health.

There’s a need for their involvement. Optum's Eighth Annual Wellness in the Workplace Study examined large employers’ (3,000 or more employees) latest strategies in addressing employee health and wellness. It found that approximately one-fourth of employers strongly agree that their employees take responsibility for their health and well-being, and only 28 percent strongly agree their employees know how to navigate the health system. Even fewer -- 18 percent -- strongly agree their employees feel they have enough money to pay for health care in retirement.

To help their employees combat some of these concerns, employers are stepping in to create healthier workplace environments, providing easier access to health resources and offering education on how to pay for health care expenses.