With World Wellbeing at Work Week being celebrated this week, now is the perfect time for employers to re-evaluate their workplace wellness initiatives and place employee wellbeing at the forefront of their efforts.
This article outlines emerging trends that will help companies of all sizes create more supportive, thriving work environments to support their people. By sharing insights on the future of workplace wellbeing, we aim to inspire employers to make ongoing improvements. When companies demonstrate that employee wellbeing is a priority through policies, programs and practices, they will attract top talent, boost retention and foster happier, healthier and more engaged workers.
Companies today face increasing pressure to support employee wellness and foster healthy, engaged workforces. As we look ahead to 2024, we are seeing several key trends that will shape the future of well-being programs at forward-thinking organisations.
Virtual Healthcare
Access to telehealth and virtual care services will become a core component of corporate wellness plans. With the rise of advanced telemedicine technology, employees can conveniently connect with medical professionals without taking time off. Expect on-demand telehealth care for minor illnesses or counselling to be commonplace. This enables wellbeing interventions to be made earlier, and reduced absenteeism for doctor’s visits.
Flexible Working
The pandemic accelerated the shift to flexible work models. In 2024, employees will demand flexibility in when and where they work. Supporting more remote work along with hybrid in-office/at-home schedules will be crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. Flexibility allows employees to better manage stress and integrate wellness activities into their days.
Personalised Nutrition
One-size-fits-all wellness programs will give way to personalised nutrition and fitness plans tailored to individuals’ health markers and goals. This precision approach will not only help employees eat, move and feel good, they’ll also perform their best at work.
Renewed Focus on Mental Health
Organisations are finally having open conversations about supporting mental health, but there is still a way to go to reduce stigma and judgment around mental illness. From meditation breaks to counselling benefits to peer support groups, employers will provide more resources to help manage conditions like anxiety, depression and addiction.
Access to Wellness Activities
Leading companies will integrate wellness activities like classes and challenges into the workday. Participation and team building will be encouraged through competitions, rewards and corporate partnerships with gyms, yoga studios and more.
Sustainability as Employee Well-Being
Environmental sustainability will be viewed as integral to employee health and satisfaction. Offices will be designed to maximise natural light and open plan space to promote better collaboration. Companies will offer electric car charging and bike storage to better support health and the environment.
Financial Wellness Programs
Financial stress harms well-being, so financial literacy initiatives will be more widely adopted. Companies will offer confidential financial planning services including retirement planning and tax advice. Access to qualified financial experts provides security and eases money-related anxieties.
Continuous Learning and Mental Resilience
Upskilling your team isn’t just good for business – it’s excellent for mental health, fulfilment, and workplace satisfaction too. Ongoing learning opportunities will be presented as a wellness benefit that stimulates people’s minds and encourages upskilling. Having a continuous learning program also makes employees feel valued and excited to come to work.
Today’s workforce expects companies to take an active role in supporting well-being. Organisations that meet these expectations will be employers of choice and benefit from higher productivity.
Let’s use World Wellbeing at Work Week as motivation to put wellbeing at the forefront of your HR strategy. If you need help, support or advice around this topic, 1850 can help.
