Kyrgyz Employees' Well-Being Trails Behind Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan

Roughly one in four employees in Kyrgyzstan are actively engaged at work, a rate slightly above the global average but notably lower than in neighboring Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, according to a new 2024-2025 labor market study on salaries and working conditions.

The research highlights that corporate well-being programs-once considered a trend-are becoming a critical tool for businesses seeking to retain staff and improve productivity, The Caspian Post informs via Kyrgyz media.

Experts emphasize that companies investing in employee health, comfort, and development create workplace environments where people can thrive, enjoy their work, and contribute more effectively to business growth. Properly designed programs with measurable results not only enhance employee satisfaction but also reduce turnover and recruitment costs.

“El Group Consulting notes that modern business success is increasingly measured not only by financial results but also by the impact on employees, society, and the environment,” the report stated.

Among the key findings:

The level of subjective well-being among Kyrgyz employees is 11-12 percent lower than in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

56 per cent of companies have introduced so-called well-being programs, though many lack clear strategies or measurable outcomes.

The most effective initiatives are those addressing employees’ basic needs, including health, work-life balance, financial literacy, and family support.