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The Marsh Risk Brief: Health and Wellbeing

Discover prevention-focused approaches to people risk management in Marsh Risk Brief Ep 6. Learn how to protect workforce health and resilience.

26/01/2026 · 2 minute read

Welcome to The Marsh Risk Brief podcast!

The Marsh Risk Brief, is a concise and insightful podcast series designed for risk management professionals and organisations navigating the complexities of today's ever-evolving landscape. Each short episode delivers a key snapshot of critical topics that matter most to our clients.

In our sixth episode, Beth Thurston hosts an engaging discussion with Neil Atkinson and David Bourne on how employers can shift towards prevention-focused strategies to manage people risk effectively.

We invite you to listen to our podcast for expert insights on navigating workforce health risks and building resilient organisations.

How to Listen to Our Podcast

Our podcast is available here:

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Key Takeaways for Risk and Insurance Managers:

  1. Health and Well-being Are Critical Business Risks
    Mental and physical health challenges in the workforce are rising, making health and well-being a fundamental risk that organisations must proactively manage—not just an employee benefit.
  2. Prevention Over Cure: A Mindset Shift Is Essential
    Effective risk management requires shifting focus towards prevention and early intervention, which can reduce long-term healthcare costs, ease pressure on the NHS, and improve productivity.
  3. Data-Driven, Tailored Strategies Deliver Better Outcomes
    Using data and tools like Mercer Marsh Benefits’ people risk modeller enables organisations to identify specific workforce risks and design targeted health programmes, fostering accountability and resilience.

 

About our speakers:

Neil Atkinson

Neil Atkinson

Partner, Proposition and Innovation Leader, United Kingdom, Mercer Marsh Benefits

  • United Kingdom

Neil is a workplace benefits strategy leader with 25 years of diverse experience across insurers, intermediaries, and strategy consulting. Specialising in health, protection, Defined Contribution (DC) Pensions, flexible benefits, digital transformation, and workplace wellbeing, he currently leads proposition development and innovation at Marsh McLennan Benefits (MMB). Neil drives market-leading solutions and strategic growth across the UK and global Marsh brands. His current focus is on leveraging MMB’s capabilities to positively impact societal health.

David Bourne

David Bourne

Market Development Leader, MMB UK

  • United Kingdom

David is an experienced leader and consultant with over 25 years in employee benefits, spanning insurer and intermediary roles. He possesses deep expertise in supporting SME and corporate clients across protection, healthcare, wellbeing, and flexible benefits platforms. David currently leads MMB Market Development team, driving innovative solutions to deliver outstanding health and protection outcomes for clients.

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