Companies around the world are getting ready to start welcoming employees back into offices for the first time in nearly 18 months.
The transition from working at home to working in an office is going to be extremely difficult for many employees, particularly if they are comfortable at home, have a long commute or enjoy working near their family – or furry friends.
However, a new study from Wellable offers a number of insights into how employers can ease workers through the transition by focusing on employee health, wellness and welfare. The study found that 93% of tech industry workers would opt to stay at a company for a longer length of time if the company offered healthier benefits such as fitness benefits, ergonomic working arrangements, healthy lunch options and standing desk areas.
The same study also found that 87% of the workers surveyed want their employer to offer healthier workplace benefits. Additionally, the study found that employees of younger companies are 34% less likely to be turned down when they ask for an in-office benefit related to health and wellness such as a sit-stand desk option.
The results of the study have sent a very clear message to businesses around the world – employees care about health and wellness.
Focusing on health and wellness
The health and physical wellbeing of employees can be boosted in a number of different ways. In the office, employers can improve worker health by offering healthy snacks, maintaining a clean office space with natural light and fresh air and installing a water cooler and kettle to encourage hydration.
On a more substantial level, employers can reconsider their health insurance offerings and look at options which encourage physical and mental health. Better insurance offerings are likely to attract promising talent and help to retain staff who might otherwise begin to wander.
Another way that employers can encourage their employees to have a healthy lifestyle is through drugs and alcohol workplace testing. Depending on the particular role and industry, it may be imperative that the employees refrain from taking drugs – and every company will want their employees to refrain from taking drugs or drinking while working.
An unhealthy, unbalanced workplace culture can be created when one employee or a group of employees begin slacking as a result of drug and alcohol use. Other employees tend to pick up the slack, and a cycle of resentment, anger and confrontation can ensue. Maintaining a healthy workplace will avoid these issues and conflicts from developing.
Improving employee wellbeing in small ways
Not all companies can afford a WeWork style makeover or a ball pit such as those found at the offices of tech giants. Thankfully, employee health and wellbeing can also be improved just by making small by meaningful changes.
Adding greenery in the form of plotted plants, air plants or even small flower gardens (when possible) can help lighten up an office space. Redesigning communal areas to create more spaces for collaboration and varied working environments can also help to boost moods and, therefore, productivity.
