Organisations are beginning to understand the direct connection between employee health and wellness and business performance.
But the definition of employee wellness, or wellbeing, has evolved dramatically over the past few years, and corporate wellness programs must adapt to changes in society.
Here are 5 new trends in employee wellbeing and corporate wellness programs:
1. Employee wellness programs are about more than just physical health.
Taking a more holistic view of employee wellbeing. Rather than just considering physical fitness, best-in-class corporate wellbeing programs now prioritize financial stability, mental health, social connection, substance abuse, and employee assistance.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Ensure your corporate wellness initiatives include programs and resources to support all aspects of employee wellbeing: physical, social, emotional, and financial.
2. Companies are combining wellness and employee recognition efforts to strengthen workplace culture, reduce turnover, and become a great place to work.
Statistics show that leaders who foster a strong sense of wellbeing and appreciation have employees who are 38% less likely to leave. When employees experience recognition, either by receiving or giving recognition, they feel a 33% increase in belonging and a 27% increase in overall health and wellbeing.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Leaders have the most impact on day-to-day employee experiences, which makes it crucial that your managers actively know when and how to show appreciation and support employee wellbeing. Provide them with the training and resources to do both well.
3. Moving beyond participation and tracking.
Programs like coaching, group challenges or activities, and time for social interaction along with personal action plans are the most successful in engaging employees and building healthy habits.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Wellness tracking apps are great only if they engage employees beyond a computer screen or a phone. Provide employees opportunities for in-person connections and resources to incorporate healthy living both at work and at home.
4. Think inclusivity in terms of compassion, not just diversity.
Inclusion is about helping employees feel they can be their authentic selves and helping them feel like they fit in and belong in your organization.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Look at inclusivity beyond the numbers. Provide a work environment where every employee, regardless of age, gender, race, or background, feels like they belong. Make compassion and inclusiveness part of your company’s language.
5. Work-life integration replaces work-life balance.
Forget work-life balance. It’s now about work-life integration. By providing technologies and policies that allow employees to decide how they want to integrate their work and personal lives and have control over their work, companies create a culture that employees want to engage with and work hard for.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Review your policies around flexibility and work-life integration. Are they outdated? Could they be improved? Ensure policies are fair and appropriate for the types of roles at your organization.
Reference: 2018 Global Culture Study, O.C. Tanner Institute
