wellness

4 Employee Wellness Trends for 2020

Employee wellness is more important today than ever. Not only it affects employee productivity and performance, but also influences a person’s mental health. So, most companies today treat this matter with utmost cautiousness.

Businesses in different fields, as well as other organisations, implement various programs to help maintain their employee’s wellness or improve it if needed. This is aside from their usual benefits such as paid leaves, sick leaves, health care, and more.

According to a study by ResearchGate, effective corporate wellness programs create a remarkable impact on an employee’s health and overall well-being. Also, improved motivation, capability, and skills are other traits that show the enhanced result.

The brief history of workplace wellness 

Interestingly, workplace wellness did not just start abruptly. It has a long history that started in 1633 whereas, an Italian physician wrote about the effects of work exposure on workers. In 1810, a Welsh social reformer proposed a 10-hour workday to protect the well-being of the workforce. By 1817, he proposed a more aggressive measure – an 8-hour workday, where the phrase, “eight hours labour, eight hours recreation, eight hours rest” originated.

Jumping to 1950s, this is when companies began to offer wellness interventions which are primarily focused on mental health issues and alcoholism. And not until the mid-1970s, true workplace wellness programs did begin. During this timeframe, financial responsibility for health care from government to employer was developed. From that year onwards, occupational safety and health insurance, health promotions, and fitness programs for employees were pursued.

In modern-day, employee wellness is one of the most important aspects that employers pay attention to. More regulations are looked upon and restrictions on working hours are strictly implemented. But, on a survey of employees by Quantum Workplace, 71.1 per cent of them still wants their employers to provide stress relief breaks, including naps and massages.

Employee wellness trends in 2020

As time passes by, every employee’s needs and wants changes too. So whatever it is that might work for your employees last year could not be as effective this year. To be able to adjust according to the changing needs of your workforce composition this year, take note of these employee wellness trends:

1. Workplace wellness culture audits

To closely monitor the changes and keep pace with the workplace wellness culture, companies nowadays should implement regular HR reviews, turnover, productivity, error levels, and workplace health and safety standards.

This audits should be able to help keep your employees aligned with workplace well-being programs such as turnover, retention, stress levels, and mental health issues. The main goal is to immediately adjust the well-being programs even if changing technology, societal conditions, and satisfaction affects it.

2. Millennials will dominate the workforce in 2020

The workforce in 2020 is highly anticipated to be mostly dominated by millennials. This generation is known to have a strong standpoint against structural issues, most especially, workplace burnout. Millennials love maintaining their work-life balance, as well as their career satisfaction. So if they feel trapped in a place that doesn’t value much of their wellness, moving on is their next step.

According to a survey by Class pass, 75% of millennial professionals believe that it’s the employer’s responsibility to provide health and wellness benefits. More than half, states that they would’ve stayed in a company that provided fitness and wellness benefits.

3. Establishing wellness programs that create real behavioural change 

According to neuroscience research, habit change takes at least 60 days. But, engaging programs that continuously support employees at work and home helps create the change. In return, companies expect reduced turnover, absenteeism, stress levels, and improved retention.

Investing in people bears nothing but good results both for the individual and the company. It boosts morale which could, later on, progress to improved productivity that will directly impact the company.

4. Promoting healthy mental and psychological well-being

Psychological and mental health is as important as physical health. Nowadays, an increased number of people with mental health problems is arising. Younger generations, as well as the working-age individuals, are the usual victims of these mental health issues.

So this year, businesses are crafting wellness plans that address mental health. Some of which includes; free mental health checkups, coaching, encouragement with team members, team building activities, or anything that might work.

Conclusion

We, at DBOS, cares about our employee’s wellness as much as we do with their performance and productivity. Our human resources officer make sure to stay on track with employee reviews and concerns. Employee wellness programs such as monthly birthday and anniversary bash have been part of the culture. We also encourage our people to join several volunteering programs and donation drives that we continuously practice. Aside from those fun activities, we also motivate our people to learn new skills through constant training and study.

Know more about one of the fastest-growing offshore staffing companies in the Philippines and save up to 70% on your labour costs! Contact DBOS today and get a free consultation with our CEO/Founder.