These days, employee burnout is more prevalent than ever thanks to the ongoing stress of the global coronavirus pandemic.

Some U.K. health experts are forecasting a “burnout spike” this January since usual holiday plans — meant to alleviate stress — were disrupted for many.

On top of daily life worries, the pandemic has changed the world as we know it to include new stressors that lead to burnout quicker. That includes the worry of catching the coronavirus, loved ones getting it, and the need to social distance. 

Two out of three employees feel more stressed than before the pandemic, according to a recent MetLife Employee Benefit Trends study. With research like that coming out, now is an essential time for employers to look at ways to mitigate the burnout risk.  

For proactive employers, there may be a way to stop burnout in its tracks.

Here’s a look at what employee burnout looks like and how to help employees avoid catastrophic burnout.

Want to learn how to be more active this year?

With a few adjustments to your mentality and schedule, you can easily get more physical activity in. The purpose of being active is not just saying you’ve worked out to check a box off on your to-do list, either. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of obesity, heart issues, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a whole other host of health issues.

Plus, being more active keeps you feeling energized and alert throughout your work day.

Need a little inspiration to get moving? Below we look at how to be more active in the new year.

Use the tips below to motivate yourself to be physically more healthy in 2021.

2021 is here and it’s time to start planning epic wellness events for your employees.

The start of the year is the best time to pull out your calendar to coordinate events for yourself and your employees to attend in the coming months.

Our list below includes all virtual events — with the exception of one that requires travel to sunny Florida — making it even easier to attend!

Wellness events like conferences, expos, and workshops are a great way to network with like-minded individuals while soaking up all the new trends, news, and wellness ideas out there. Plus, it provides a great chance to hear from wellness thought leaders and innovators who have a finger on the pulse of the well-being industry.

Whether you’ve got a big budget or need a free option, the listing below of this year’s wellness events include both. Ready to learn about the newest health trends and inspire wellness in the workplace like never before? Get your calendar and begin planning.

Here are 10 wellness events to attend for a healthy 2021.

We know you have a choice when it comes to reading wellness blogs.

We want you to know that we’re so thankful you’ve landed on ours.

At whatever point you started reading the Employee Wellness Blog, we’re grateful. You’re the reason we’ve kept putting up wellness blogs weekly throughout 2020, despite perhaps the most unpredictable year on record. As a wrap-up for this year, we wanted to share our most-read blogs with you.

That includes:

• 25 Quotes About Wellness Your Employees Need to Hear
• How to Avoid a Sore Arm After Your Workplace Flu Shot
• 6 Amazing Benefits of Morning Exercise
• 14 Creative Ways to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Work
• 5 Virtual Wellness Program Ideas to Engage Your Remote Employees
• 7 Tips for Promoting Positivity in Your Workplace
• 13 Tips on How to Stay Positive During Anxious Times
• Indoor or Outdoor Flu Shot Clinic: Which Should You Pick?
• Transform Your Walk into a Full-Body Workout
• 13 Health and Wellness Conferences You Won’t Want to Miss in 2020
  

In 2021, we look forward to inspiring even more leaders to create regular wellness routines in the workplace. Without further ado, here are our 10 most popular blogs of 2020:

Interested in what next year’s wellness trends will be?

Looking toward 2021, there’s no doubt wellness will look a lot different. Even with a COVID-19 vaccine rolling out, the general public will likely still be hesitant to do their usual self-care, fitness, and health routines. That includes heading to crowded gyms, visiting spas, and even simply going into the doctor’s office.

Some wellness trends like increased telehealth use and at-home fitness options will continue on and aren’t surprising. But other trends like wellness health beverage consumption and sobriety support are standing out as unique well-being opportunities.

Those are just a few of the projected 2021 wellness trends, too.

Below, you’ll find insight from wellness thought leaders and a recent wellness trends survey.

Keep these trends in mind as you plan upcoming wellness campaigns and look at new ways to engage your workers in wellness.

How are you providing employee support during these uncertain times?

As COVID-19 continues to spread and impact businesses, it’s important to remember that your team is being impacted, too. More than ever, employees need support and encouragement to keep going.

 That support is always best when it comes from leaders.

Whether you offer support through an open-door policy, flexible work options, or simply promote wellness resources, doing so shows your team you care about their well-being and success.

Offering appropriate employee support helps your employees stress less and stay healthy because they know you’ve got their back — through thick and thin.

Here’s a look at how you can provide employee support during these unique times.

Are you ready to let go of 2020?

One way to do so is to refresh your mental health to start with a clean slate, good intentions, and healthy habits.

Since everything starts with the mind, clearing it of this year’s mental clutter is one easy way to step into the new year without mental baggage.

 Below, we share 15 ways to mentally refresh. You’ll find activities from decluttering to connecting with others and everything in-between. The goal of each is to renew your mind and help you feel happier and less stressed.

As you reflect on this year and decide what to take forth with you into 2021, we hope you’ll add refreshing mental health to the top of your list.

Here’s a look at how to refresh mental health in 2021:

Ready to adjust your fitness routine for the new year?

If you’re tired of your gym being closed and outdoor exercise is not an option, it’s time to check out some free fitness resources to keep yourself in tip-top shape. Plus, if your wallet is on a budget, free is always an incentive to give a workout a try — even if it’s a trial run.

Whether you’re into yoga, no-equipment workouts, or intense cardio sessions, there’s an app or online resource for you.

Below, you’ll find fitness resources for:

• Workout variety
• Short-on-time workouts
• No-equipment workouts
• Gentle workout options

In this post, we’ll review free fitness resources anyone can use if their regular gym is closed. As we go into 2021, make it your best year yet — physically and mentally —by using these exciting fitness resources.

Is there a vaccine for COVID-19?

The short answer: Yes.

On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. 

Below, we cover when you can expect the vaccine, who will get it first, and facts about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In times of overwhelm, finding joy may feel like life’s best kept secret.

Or maybe even a chore. Perhaps you don’t notice joy is missing until life feels too stressful, and, well, joyless.

When a life crisis hits or a string of bad luck ensues, it’s normal to think, “I don’t have time for relaxing, sparking joy, or slowing down.” It can be tough to find joy when life keeps throwing curveballs (ahem, 2020).

But alas, that’s when it’s pertinent you set aside time for finding joy.

Plus, joy benefits your overall life by:

• Raising your mood
• Supporting longevity
• Boosting your immunity
• Promotes a healthier lifestyle

In this post, you’ll find nine simple ways to seek joy and bring it into your life during the roughest of times. Here’s how: