Ten years ago, the concept of workplace wellness programs – a benefit to promote employee health and fitness – was a hot topic. Due to some early mixed returns, however, it’s fair to say such programs quickly moved down the leadership agenda.
Fast-forward to today and the world is a much different place: One where safety and well-being should be top of mind for everyone, especially those in positions of leadership responsible for valued and valuable employees.
In addition to its horrific mortality rate, Covid-19 has upended lives and livelihoods and is the cause of extreme mental and emotional stress. Add to that the weeks of protest against structural racism that have unleashed a wellspring of emotion and tapped into an energy that doesn’t seem likely to fade away and …well, wellness programs are finally having their moment as leaders recognize implications of social unrest and unease on their employees.
Everyone is affected by these world-changing events. For those fortunate enough to have survived furlough or layoff, they are wondering, Am I safe in the office? Can I do my job effectively from home? Is my job protected? Will I get my raise or bonus? What about that promotion? And that’s on top of managing day-to-day non-workplace challenges (pre-existing mental health issues, childcare, sick parents, the endless video feed of police brutality). These issues will inevitably be brought to the office.
But even without a public health crisis and a major social movement, executives must address wellness because their workforces demand it. The American workplace is now comprised of a majority Millennial and Gen Z, who’ve entered the workforce with expectations of wellness programs. These cohorts are not shy about reporting or talking about mental health on the job, which makes wellness programs crucial in the war for talent.
Organizations that take employee well-being seriously and provide such benefits will become favored employers. They are also most likely to have workforces that are productive, loyal, happy, and well.
