Returning workers and improving employee well-being after the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the workplace. Gallup State of the Workforce report found that stress among the world’s workers reached a new all-time high this year, reaching levels even higher than during the pandemic. In fact, 44% of those surveyed reported feeling a lot of daily stress. Whether that stress is work-related or a carryover from home, it affects productivity. Forward-thinking organizations realize this and focus on implementing programs that protect and enhance the health and well-being of employees.

At Allsup Employment Services (AES), our vocational experts are dedicated to helping employees return to work after medical leave. Our clients face uncertainty and stress because they have been out of the workforce and cannot be sure how they will respond to daily pressures and their workload. Wellness programs can have a huge impact on your employees, especially those just re-entering the workforce. Here’s the latest on wellness areas employers are adding or expanding in 2023.

Mental health goes mainstream

According to the Disability Awareness CouncilSome of the stigma associated with mental health issues has been reduced in the aftermath of the pandemic. Mental health treatment is becoming more mainstream and many conditions are highly treatable. Historically, employees have not wanted to admit that feelings of depression or anxiety, especially in the workplace, for fear of how they would be perceived, so these conditions often went unreported and untreated. All of that is changing.

The 13th Annual Employer Sponsored Conference Health and Wellness Survey of Fidelity Investments surveyed 163 employers in various industries. Of these, 73% said mental health will be a primary focus of their wellness initiatives. By 2023, one of the top mental health programs to be added is digital cognitive behavioral therapy. Usually, cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotional states, and behavior. This type of therapy helps people assess how they think about themselves, others, and the situations in their life with the goal of developing more positive thoughts and behaviors. digital therapy is done online through client or patient portals, applications or other means.

Work-life balance after the pandemic

Balancing the balance between work and life is an ongoing struggle for many employees. A whole new era began with the arrival of the pandemic, as workers had to figure out how to juggle jobs at home and homeschooling their children during national lockdowns.

Workplaces have changed significantly in the US in the last three years, and with this change, employees place a high value on working from home or hybrid schedules. It’s what employees cite most often when asked about achieving work-life balance. This workforce housing is here to stay. Employers who do not offer this form of flexibility in the workplace may find it increasingly difficult to find the best talent they need.

However, employees who are also family caregivers find that working from home doesn’t give them all the support they need. a recent study on family caregivers states that 70% of them are anxious about having to leave the workforce to properly care for their loved one. The growing population of Americans with chronic health problems it means that the caregiver’s problems are in the spotlight. Benefits for caregivers are increasing among employers. These include employer-sponsored resource groups and online platforms such as blessed that match caregivers with a care professional who best meets their unique needs. It connects employees with additional resources, providers, and can even help find social programs to support loved ones.

As we move into 2023, the workforce will face new challenges. Employers will feel the strain of a competitive job market, and benefits programs can help set them apart. Workplace benefits and programs that incorporate work-life balance, wellness, and caregiving concerns, as well as accommodations that reinforce the inclusion of people with disabilities, mean more opportunities to find happiness. best match when hiring employees for your organization. These programs also help you retain great workers.

To deepen their commitment, employers must constantly remind employees of all the benefits in their portfolio. You can also use employee surveys to identify new opportunities and benefits for your teams. Consider a survey at the start of the new year. We are turning the corner in 2022, but the evolution in our workforce will continue. Investing in these workforce programs can help all of your employees be better protected against fatigue and burnout, especially those just returning to the workforce after a leave of absence. It’s an investment worth making for the sake of doing a good job.