RETURN TO THE OFFICE REQUIRES A STEPPED-UP WELLNESS PROGRAM

While employee wellbeing isn’t necessarily a bold new concept, it’s moved up much higher on the corporate agenda as more and more employees return to the work place amid physical and mental health concerns for employers and employees alike.

At a recent Health & Benefits Leadership Conference, Fitbit Health Solutions’ Georgia McDermott said the impact of the pandemic on employee wellbeing is “startling,” citing a recent survey that found more than half of employees increased their TV and video gaming time, 48% are consuming more junk food, and more than 40% lack the motivation to take care of their wellbeing.

Workplace wellness programs can encompass many different components, but today mental health is high on most employer’s lists. Employers that offer mental health benefits are likely to have lower incidents of job burnout, onsite violence, and workplace injury.  One way to address employees’ mental wellbeing is to ensure access to mental health benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP) that can provide referrals to mental health professionals and other services.

With the need for employee wellbeing resources never greater, many companies have increased their investment in mental health resources.  In a recent Forbes article, Mind Share Partners says companies with the most effective approaches to mental health “integrate it into their ongoing business activities, such as employee onboarding, leadership communications, performance management, manager training, and engagement surveys.”

Successful and effective workplace wellness programs have some common elements, including management commitment, solid research, planning, employee buy-in and participation.  Beyond a solid commitment to the importance of the wellness program, senior management must also lead by example and actively participate in the program.

And make no mistake – there are bottom-line benefits to workplace wellness.  According to Inc., for every $1 spent on employee wellbeing, employers can expect a $5.81 return on investment. ROI factors include improved employee morale/performance, reduced absenteeism, increased staff retention, and lowered employee healthcare costs.

“Workplace wellness today must address the new office environment created by the remote and hybrid return to work models,” said Todd Greenwald, Compass Properties Vice President.  “Not everyone is in the office at the same time, nor are we interacting with each other like we did in the past.”

“It’s important that employee wellness programs promote connection and interaction, which was sorely missing during the pandemic.” Greenwald added.