Wellness in the Workspace: Initiatives and Activities for 2024
The explosion of artificial intelligence (AI), fears of a recession, global unrest, the 2024 U.S. presidential election, inflation woes, and the long-lived repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic are some of the wide-ranging issues employees around the world are grappling with. While on the job, they’re also dealing with diverse challenges such as digital fatigue, remote work demands, job security, and workplace safety.
It’s a lot to manage while also remaining productive, healthy, and happy. To be all this and more, many employers and a vast number of employees are creating and participating in regular wellness activities and programs. In fact, according to Wellable’s 2023 Employee Wellness Trends Industry Report, a majority of employers are focusing on mental health, stress management and resilience, and mindfulness and meditation, by increasing their investments in these areas.
Coworking space providers also recognize the importance of promoting well-being among their members and are diligently creating healthy, holistic, and supportive work environments. Providers tend to have a receptive group since shared workspace occupants generally strive for a healthy work/life balance and are open to new ideas.
As a new year quickly approaches, many individuals in the coworking industry are either busy developing new wellness programs or are looking to supplement their current activities. If you are one of those individuals, we’re here to help. We’ve put together a suggested list of seminars to host, workouts to encourage, and calendar events to add. They all touch on various elements of wellness, including physical health, mental well-being, and a sense of community. Here they are:
Mindfulness at Work: Techniques for Centering Oneself in a Coworking Environment
- Suggest single-tasking. Mention the benefits of giving a single task one’s full attention.
- Bring mindfulness into meetings with moments of silence, attentive listening, letting go of distractions, and focused attention on the agenda.
- At the end of each day, take a few minutes to reflect on accomplishments and challenges.
- Once a week sponsor a “Mindful Morning” with a yoga instructor for coworkers.
Balancing Work and Wellness: Creating a Fitness-Friendly Coworking Oasis
- Schedule digital detox moments. Encourage others to step away from their desks and find a quiet space without electronic devices.
- Provide a video of deskercises such as seated leg lifts, chair squats, and desk push-ups.
- Promote office ergonomics and provide a how-to guide.
- Host a seminar called, “Balancing Act: Tips for Achieving Work-Life Harmony.”
- Establish a mental health first aid training program.
WorkWell: A Series of Optimal Living Workshops
- Bring in speakers such as a sleep specialist, financial wellness advisor, life coach, conflict resolution expert, emotional intelligence trainer, corporate well-being consultant, and wellness technology specialist.
- Schedule regular mini-sessions that introduce attendees to different personalized wellness apps.
- Conduct a class about building a supportive community and promoting a collaborative and positive work environment.
Quiet Thriving: Shaping a Happier, Healthier Work Life
- Encourage networking events or initiatives that allow individuals to build relationships organically.
- Celebrate diverse contributions and emphasize their value within the community. Acknowledge that quiet thriving takes various forms and everyone’s unique strengths are appreciated.
- Encourage people to set healthy boundaries at work.
Gympass recently released its Workplace Wellness Report for 2024. In that report, for which they surveyed over 5,000 employees globally, it’s stated that “Wellness is non-negotiable for today’s workers.” In the year ahead, it’ll be exciting to see the many creative programs and activities that coworking spaces develop to help workers optimize their health and well-being.
For more programs and activities, see: