The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into what a normal workday looked like in 2020 and 2021. Employees began to work from home, and the hybrid workplace model became more popular in 2021. As 2022 approaches, employers are settling into their possible new normal, and what their corporate wellness programs will look like. There are a few prevalent corporate wellness trends for employers to keep in mind as they jump into 2022. 

1. Promoting a Positive Work/Life Balance

With the onset of remote working, many employees’ work/life balance began to blend together. Whether businesses are working in the office again or continuing to work remotely, companies are prioritizing a positive work/life balance. 

Companies have seen more productivity and stronger employee retention when they support employees’ work/life balance. It was also found that 87% of employees look for an occupation that prioritizes a healthy work/life wellbeing.

Improving a company’s work/life balance within a wellness program can look like:

• Flexible resources
• Flexible working hours
• Shorter work days/work weeks
• Less mandatory meetings

Supporting a work/life balance can also look like providing tools and resources that encompass a multitude of employee needs. Employees have a full life outside of work, and value an employer that has a holistic wellness program that compliments their lives. Having resources available to them no matter their schedule can help them prioritize themselves, their family, and their work. 

2. Supporting Mental Health and Stress Management

While mental health was once rarely discussed within the workplace, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the conversation to the surface. The uncertainty of the pandemic brought on stress and a decline in mental health and wellbeing for workers. Forbes found that 94% of workers are stressed. Along with this, 78% said that the pandemic had a negative impact on their mental health.

Employers are beginning to prioritize employee mental health to increase engagement and productivity. Many employers are doing this by partnering with wellness programs that promote exercise, mindfulness, and meditation—all methods proven to be effective treatments for mental health.

There are many wellness companies that guide employees through meditation and reduce stress. Peerfit provides employees with classes that promote mental and physical health. These classes include yoga and dance - often paid for by the employee’s health insurance plan.  

3. Improving Financial Health

Financial stress has been a common theme amongst employees in 2021 and will continue to be in 2022. Since the pandemic, 73% of Americans said that their finances were the main stressor in their life. For many, this has led to distraction at work and a decrease in company productivity.

Employers can promote financial wellbeing by providing free mobile apps to help with budgeting. Employers can also offer free courses to teach the basics of financial planning, and even personal financial coaching to reduce stress. 

Companies that have prioritized their employee financial wellness found that 88% of employees reported job satisfaction, and 85% increased their engagement. Along with this, 87% of employees committed to retaining their job for the next year. Employers are taking note of these improvements, and are putting financial wellness programs at the top of their priority list come 2022.

What's Next?

Any step employers take to improve their employee’s well-being will positively impact their company. Employees and employers alike are acclimating to the new normal of 2022, and a focus on holistic wellness is taking precedent. As companies evaluate their wellness programs, they can ask their employees directly what they need most to improve their work/life balance, mental health, and financial wellbeing in 2022.