It’s no secret employee wellness is changing.

Thankfully, the 2020 UnitedHealthcare Wellness Checkup Survey results show Americans are making positive wellness changes. For employers who like to follow trends and update their wellness programs, now may be the perfect time to do so.

“Now is an opportune time for Americans to make an investment in their health, with employers in a crucial role to foster healthy habits among employees in the workplace and while working at home,” stated Rebecca Madsen, UnitedHealthcare chief consumer officer in a recent press release.

Given that the pandemic has created a hyperfocus on health and well-being, those surveyed reported updated changes in their wellness routines. For example, more than two-thirds of respondents said that walking has become their preferred exercise routine during the pandemic.

“The UnitedHealthcare Wellness Checkup Survey highlights the importance of implementing robust well-being programs that may foster whole-person health, reduce absenteeism, and curb care costs,” Madsen added.

Below, you’ll see the findings are a collection of opinions of health topics and preferences, which can help you further improve or inspire your next updates to your wellness program.

Are you wondering how to engage remote employees in wellness discussions?

With more teams working remotely these days, engaging remote employees with useful wellness ideas to inspire healthy behavior is a must.

Especially if you want to keep them as mentally and physically healthy as possible during an era where good health is more important than ever.

Plus, if you’re not engaging your remote workers, it could be costly.

Back in 2017, The Engagement Institute released a report that disengaged employees cost companies between $450 and $550 billion a year.

Yikes.

Remote work has its own challenges when it comes to navigating unique stressors like isolation and a more sedentary work environment. That just means you have to figure out how to get remote workers invested in virtual wellness initiatives.

Not sure how?

Here are 11 ways to engage remote employees with ease:

Are you looking for the best healthy summer foods around?

If you need some recipe ideas for healthy options for your next BBQ, we’ve got you covered.

While it’s tempting to pick up store-bought coleslaw, potato salad, or fried chicken, those foods are generally pre-packaged and full of sodium and fat.

Luckily, summertime is the perfect time to buy seasonal favorites like cherries, which happen to be healthy and delicious.

Below, we’ve rounded up seven summer foods and easy ways to prepare them for the greatest health benefits.

Here’s a look at healthy summer foods you won’t want to miss this season:

It’s time for the annual fireworks safety reminder.

Every year, the month surrounding July 4th keeps local emergency rooms busy. In the month leading up to the holiday, an average of 180 people go to the E.R. daily thanks to fireworks-related injuries.

Aside from worrying about burns, there are other health concerns to keep in mind, too, like hearing damage and smoke inhalation.

This post will offer safety facts and tips you can distribute to employees so they can safely enjoy the fireworks displays this upcoming weekend.

Whether team members are blasting off their own fireworks or going to a public display, here are some fireworks safety facts to keep in mind:

Not surprisingly, the food you eat impacts both your mind and your body.

Thanks to a new field of research called nutritional psychiatry, new studies are showing a stronger link between nutrition and mental health.

Studies are revealing connections between good gut health and how the immune system responds. Research also points to the fact that bad gut health not only leads to poor mental health but also increases risk of other health conditions.

Our gut health is impacted by what we eat. In turn, when you consume the right foods, it releases the “happy hormone” known as serotonin. Appropriate levels of this neurotransmitter keeps your mood elevated, sleep patterns on track, and overall health going in the right direction.

Curious about how to keep your gut and mind happy?

Below, we share the most recent findings and include details on foods to keep you feeling physically and mentally well.

Here’s a look at how good nutrition can help your mental health:

Now that summer is here, it’s time to soak up the benefits of natural light.

A 2018 Future Workplace survey found natural light in the workplace — along with views of nature — to be the number one desire of employees. Exposure to natural light helps regulate mood, improves sleep, and reduces digital eye strain issues.

Sunshine never looked so good, huh?

Since social distancing measures are still very much in place in most workplaces, why not send some of your employees outside to comfortable workspaces? If employees are still working remotely, encourage them to set up shop on a patio or in their backyard to reap the positive perks associated with sunlight and mental health. 

Below, discover the biggest benefits of natural light and why soaking up the sunshine should be added to everyone’s health to-do list this summer.

Diverse workplaces call for equally diverse wellness programs. 

Whether it’s due to culture, socio-economic opportunities, or other factors, employees have differing perspectives and knowledge when it comes to health and wellness.

In order to be successful, wellness committees must cater to that, experts say.

To create employee well-being through corporate wellness programs, it’s essential for wellness committees to understand that cookie-cutter programs don’t work for different demographics. That includes making employees from all walks of life feel like they are considered and included.

It means being inclusive by asking and incorporating feedback from all interested employees. That also starts with a diverse wellness committee and providing appropriate training to those who spearhead such company health campaigns.

Curious about how to do it?

Below, you’ll find insight from a clinical mental health counselor and a global wellness thought leader.

Both weigh in on the importance of multicultural wellness in a diverse workplace. They also share tips on approaching it in a way that’s effective, sensitive, and smart.

How often do you ask employees for feedback on your corporate wellness program?

When you’re spending resources on building wellness programs, it’s essential to get direct feedback from the audience you’re serving. Before and after-event surveys are must-haves to ensure you’re hitting the mark for your employees.

It’s also important to get initial opinions to help form your corporate wellness program if you haven’t started one. This allows you to get thoughtful responses for what you’re planning, whether it’s a quarterly health fair, multicultural wellness workshop, or series of health events.

This post covers when to send surveys, what types of questions to ask, and how to encourage employees to complete them.

Read on to learn more!

For many, the depletion of social health has been one of the largest psychological challenges of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

In May, Pew Research Center reported a third of Americans felt high levels of psychological distress during a two-month social distancing period.

In an era that's rapidly changing social connections for individuals, now more than ever it's important for employees to maintain their social health. Those who are socially well often live longer and enjoy better health.

The more researchers look into it, the more they’re finding a tie between good social health and overall well-being. Plus, it means employees are generally happier which is never a bad thing!

Socially healthy employees are:

• Less stressed
• More productive
• Healthier overall
• Serve their company better
• More creative and resilient
• Have more self-confidence
• More loyal to their company and coworkers

Ready to learn more about social health and how to encourage it in the workplace? Read on!

There’s a lot of uncertainty as businesses re-open in this new COVID-19 era.

Luckily, thanks to the fast work of scientists and researchers, there are more preventative measures and protocols workplaces can use to keep workers safe.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, TotalWellness has worked with its national network of lab and medical partners and leading epidemiologists to develop COVID-19 support solutions for employers.

Plus, between 25 to 80% of people with COVID-19 have no symptoms and aren’t aware they are infected, making it easier to spread.

That’s why TotalWellness has decided to offer COVID-19 testing and antibody testing for companies. We also offer temperature screenings, too.

Below, we share what our testing looks like and why your company may want to consider it.