This week wraps up our series on workplace wellness programs and I sincerely hope there has been something useful along the way. Workplace wellness programs have come a long way from where they were a decade ago and I can only hope they continue to evolve. I dream of a world where workplace wellness is obsolete because we will achieve some kind of work-life harmony, but that is unlikely in my lifetime. Until then, what does the future of workplace wellness look like. While I can’t say for sure, we can think about what we are already seeing, what’s working, and what leaders in industry are already doing.
If you haven’t read the first four posts in the series, we talked about the ROI of wellbeing, how to avoid corporate flops, starting your corporate wellbeing program, and why you need a CWO. Today, we;re talking about the comprehensive strategies to keep employees healthy and happy. Healthy employees are more productive, and great wellness programs attract top talent, and they keep your best employees around longer.
Top wellness trends and the future of workplace wellness
Coming from tech, it would make sense to talk about trends in regards to the future of workplace wellness. Why? Because trends drive industries and consumer buying habits. From the latest viral app, to the #1 stocking stuffer wearable device of 2024, people want what’s hot. Especially when it solves a problem in their day-to-day lives. This isn’t “Severance” and our daily challenges don’t disappear when we arrive at or leave the office. Hence, why companies should care what is happening in this space, even if you aren’t in the wellness space. The fact of the matter is that with an industry expected to hit over $7.5 billion in only 5 years, everyone is in the wellness industry, whether they realize it or not. This translates to companies because when you understand what your employees need and want in this space, you can set yourself apart.
So what is trending right now? Let’s take a look at what the 2024 research says, according to McKinsey and how it may relate to corporate wellness.
Health at home
With many people working remotely, companies are finding new ways to support employee health outside the office. While this really took off during the pandemic, the payoff for employees and companies did not go unnoticed.
What it could look like
– Stipends for home office equipment
– Free access to virtual fitness classes
– Setting up telehealth services
When I worked at Salesforce, we had a group that conducted ergonomic assessments for all employees. They did this entirely remote, too, for those of us that weren’t co-located. Following my assessment, I found out my desk was an ergonomic mess. My desk was too high for my short stature, and my seat was too low, putting strain on my shoulders, hips, and wrists. The results following my adjustments were remarkable and probably saved me from years of rehab for repetitive movement injuries.
Coaching and/or mental health services are another way that companies can offer big benefits to employees with small investments. From offering memberships to companies like Better Up (coaching) or Talkspace (talk-therapy), these are low-friction ways to bring better wellbeing to employees, regardless of location.
Wearables and biomonitoring
Wearable devices continue to become more and more sophisticated, providing more and more benefits. As you might expect, they continue to trend in the wellness space. The amount of people digging into their own data continues to increase, making wearables even more attractive, as we can access myriad data from our devices.
What it could look like
– Integrate wearable data into corporate wellbeing programs
– Gamify physical wellbeing with team challenges based on health metrics
– Leverage personalized health recommendations from your smart watch, to know when you have been sitting too long
Many consumers are already bought into using wearables so having a company paid wearable is even more attractive. When companies and employees align on personal values, it becomes a no-brainer for corporate wellbeing programs. Think things like Apple watches, Oura rings, and Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs).
AI-powered personalization
Generative AI makes wellness plans more tailored to individual needs, making even more impactful. As Gen AI becomes ubiquitous in our everyday lives, the applications are exponential, including in corporate health and wellbeing plans.
What it could look like
– “In-house” AI wellbeing coach for general health questions
– Personalized fitness recommendations for employees
– Creating plans to make work more accessible for people with accommodations
Evidence-based wellness
People want and appreciate scientific research and data. That means that companies should create and leverage wellness programs backed by scientific research.
What it could look like
– Creating partnerships with healthcare providers
– Bigger investment on preventive health measures
– Stress management techniques with proven results
– Focus on community building efforts
There is no shortage of grift in the market, from the latest AI app that promises the moon, or a supplement that will guarantee overnight weight loss, data and evidence matters. Companies can help bolster these values by choosing the right providers and services to support their employee wellbeing.
Integration of medical expertise
There’s a growing trend of bringing healthcare professionals directly into the workplace. I have experienced this directly, when one of the companies I worked for had an in-house clinic and it was tremendous. As an executive coach, I can also personally attest to the value my clients were able to gain by having someone available to support them through work crises, as well.
What it could look like
– On-site health clinics, like at Phifer in Tuscaloosa, AL
– Virtual consultations with doctors
– Regular health screenings or health fairs
Wellness ideas for smaller companies
Let’s face it. Not every business has a big budget for wellness, but there are still ways to promote health, without burning down the budget. However, the future of workplace wellness doesn’t have to be out of reach for small organizations.
1. Virtual wellness challenges: Use free apps for step counts or meditation contests.
2. Lunch and learn sessions: Invite local health experts for talks.
3. Flexible work hours: Allow employees to work when they’re most productive.
4. Wellness buddy system: Encourage employees to pair up for health goals. Get your leaders on board and lead by example.
5. Green spaces: If you have an office, create relaxation areas with plants. Don’t have an office? Consider and optional plant perk where employees can order some greens for their home office, if they fancy plants.
According to a manuscript prepared for the Ann Work Expo Health small businesses experience even bigger benefits because the percentage of employee participation is much higher, leading to better health outcomes.
Tech sector leading the way
Tech companies are often early adopters of wellness trends for numerous reasons. One is the natural inclination toward innovation and another is deeper pockets than many other verticals. They use these programs to:
– Attract top talent
– Keep their workforce innovative
– Boost productivity
However, these ideas can work in any industry. A survey by Wellhub found that 93% of employees consider wellbeing to be as important as their salary, regardless of the industry.
Considerations and Challenges
Hopefully by now, the future of workplace wellness is a bit less mysterious. Implementing wellness programs isn’t always easy but the options are limitless and with a little creativity, you can improve employee wellbeing at your company, as well. Check out the rest of the blog series for valuable tips on how to get started and how to avoid a wellness flop.
The future of workplace wellness is exciting and full of possibilities, regardless of your company size and budget. From big corporations to small startups, there are ways to incorporate these trends into your workplace. After all, a healthy workforce is a happy workforce, and a happy workforce is good for business.
Ready to take your workplace wellness to the next level but not sure where to get started? Book a free consultation with me, and let’s talk about how we can make these trends work for your unique workplace.