It’s a smart move for companies looking to strengthen company culture and prove to employees that taking care of business includes employees’ health, too. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted more than just the physical health of many, but also the mental health of employees across the globe, forcing many companies to reevaluate wellness on multiple levels.
Since the pandemic’s start, people have been experiencing higher rates of stress, burnout, and mental health crises. By providing resources that make it easier for employees to include in their already jam-packed lives, they’re more likely to participate and have better results.
This guide will walk employers through wellness resources that every company should consider investing in to keep employees happy, productive, and healthy.
Here’s your insight to helping employees thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
When surveyed, 94% of Americans reported workplace stress. That number may be even higher now as that survey was taken by The American Institute of Stress back in 2019. Throw in a global pandemic, and chances are Americans are still reeling from the stressors of lingering COVID anxiety.
That, along with being constantly connected to our devices because of work, it’s a must that employers help their team learn to disconnect and focus on emotional well-being. As the business world continues to thrive, employers will need to step up to the plate to ensure that mental health and wellness are as valued as work productivity.
And when you consider that half of Millenials and 75% of Gen Zers have left jobs due to mental health reasons, according to one Harvard Business Review article, it’s easy to see there’s a problem with workplaces identifying and assisting those needing mental health resources.
By providing regular access to wellness resources, employers can offer substantial ways to help employees focus on their well-being.
If your company is looking to encourage healthy living across the board, having a multitude of wellness opportunities available is the best way to do it. Not everyone needs or enjoys the same type of wellness programming, which is why offering several options is essential in encouraging employees to stay committed to their well-being.
Below you’ll find a variety of ways to invest in your employees’ well-being.
Given that one in five adults lives with a mental illness, overlooking mental health resources is a mistake for most companies. As a company, look at ways to support employees in balancing their mental well-being daily.
This may include:
On a regular basis, a wellness committee or HR rep may want to share links to websites for employee assistance programs, provide wellness benefits information guides, and share details about disability coverage and family leave time.
Have you ever thought about an annual well-being bonus? This can be used for anything wellness-related: yoga classes, a virtual gym, local brick-and-mortar gym, meditation apps, etc. If your company can’t afford to supply an annual well-being bonus for every employee, consider raffling off a quarterly well-being gift — anything from a local gym membership to healthy cooking lessons.
Every employee knows how annoying and time-consuming it can be to schedule a doctor’s appointment around lunch hours or breaks. In need of a flu shot or other vaccine? They’ll need to add in extra time for those, too. One wellness resource that employees can appreciate is an on-site, at-work vaccination program. This is especially helpful during flu season when most people want to avoid physician offices when possible.
Options to consider:
Host an on-site flu shot clinic - Did you know that company-hosted flu shot clinics are more cost-effective? Beyond a lower risk of spreading inner-office flu, there are proven benefits to vaccinated employees — including up to 45% fewer days out of the office due to illness. Have your team ready themselves for flu season by getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available.
Send vouchers - Working with a hybrid or fully remote team? Send each team member a flu shot voucher. This allows team members to schedule their flu shot in their hometown at their convenience at no-cost to them.
And if your team still hasn’t received the COVID-19 vaccine, consider providing a list of local pharmacies or locations that offer the vaccine. If your company can, offer a few days off following the vaccinations, too, to allow for rest.
A digital health library may be one of the easiest ways to provide valuable wellness content to your employees. Best of all, it’s ideal for companies with a smaller budget because most resources are free to access. Keep the digital health library organized and updated with the most relevant resources. You might consider breaking it down by a variety of topics like: mental health, physical fitness, nutrition, meditation, and more.
A list of resources to consider sharing:
You can format your digital health library in a way that makes the most sense for what your team needs. Ask your team to feel free to send in relevant fitness and wellness websites to be vetted for the library.
If your employees feel they need a little more support for their wellness goals, hiring a wellness coach is one option to consider. This is an expensive approach to wellness, but it’s one that can be extremely helpful for individuals who need more guidance. Bringing in a wellness coach may be considered if your workplace biometric screenings come back and indicate several individuals with high-risk health conditions. Asking those employees if they would like more guidance is the first step in looking at whether wellness coaching is worth the price tag.
Accountability is one of the most important aspects of wellness. Many people enjoy doing well-being activities on their own, but many also enjoy the support found in class or group settings.
Wellness classes and support group ideas may include:
One great way to explore if this wellness resource is of interest is to host several lunch and learn events with an interactive class component. Post-event, ask for feedback to gauge interest and budget for future classes and workshops.
If you want to see your company culture thrive — and survive — in these unique times, ongoing investing in your employees’ well-being is a must.
Workers who maintain their overall well-being are able to invest the appropriate time and energy into their positions. Create a healthy environment where your employees feel they have access to the most essential wellness resources.
It may mean you need to survey your team to see which wellness resources they feel are missing from the workplace. Once you have that information, consider meeting with your department leadership to see how it could be implemented based on the company budget.
By investing in your team’s well-being, you invest in the company’s well-being, too.
What are your most popular wellness resources at your company? Share them in the comments below!