As the new year approaches, employers must ask themselves — what’s on the horizon in the world of employee wellbeing? We’ve outlined three trends that your organization should be aware of in order to remain competitive in 2022.
1. Mental Health Services Must Be Prioritized
Now more than ever, employers must focus on mental health. The Great Resignation is putting pressure on companies to not only talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to mental health services. By fostering a culture free from judgment, you can create an environment in which employees feel empowered to ask for help should they need it.The push to destigmatize mental health in the workplace and provide the resources employees need to proactively manage their mental health will be a key wellbeing trend in 2022. Employers who want to stay ahead of the curve should start evaluating their mental health services now. From free counseling to stress management training to mental health webinars, there are a variety of offerings to explore
2. Strong Emphasis on Work-Life Balance
The pandemic blurred the lines between work and home, sometimes making it difficult for individuals to separate the two. As 2022 approaches and the Great Resignation continues, employees are actively seeking opportunities in which a work-life balance is attainable.
There are steps employers can take to help employees unplug. Offering abundant PTO, or even unlimited PTO, and encouraging employees to utilize that PTO is a great way to ensure individuals have the time to recharge when necessary and help them avoid burnout.
Additionally, being flexible will be key in the coming year. Organizations must adapt to the needs of their workforce in order to stay ahead, and that may mean being flexible when it comes to where employees are working, whether it be from the office or elsewhere.
For more tips on how to create a culture in which employees feel fulfilled,
3. Increased Focus on the "Whole Employee"
From mental health to work-life balance, an overall trend for 2022 is an increased focus on the “whole employee.” Outside of productivity and performance, companies must support their employees’ physical health, mental wellbeing and financial health. One way that employers are catering to the “whole employee” is by offering adequate paid leave and other non-traditional benefits.
These benefits allow employees to support their children, care for loved ones who are sick and take care of themselves should an illness strike or emergency arise. When employees are given the time to attend to the pieces of their lives that fall outside of the workplace, they are able to be more productive and focused at work. This trend is ultimately a win-win for organizations and employees.
To best position your organization to succeed in today’s fiercely competitive job market, employee wellbeing must be prioritized. Evaluating the quality of your mental health services, fostering an environment in which every employee is able to achieve work-life balance and focusing on the “whole employee” are all steps you can take to set your organization apart.