The working class of the world hasn’t been happy for a while. According to a recent international poll by Gallup, 85 percent of people feel unhappy because of their jobs. So, it's of utmost importance to invest in the workplace wellness of employees.

And this has become crucial in the post-Coronavirus world. The home has become the workplace, affecting their work-life balance. People haven’t gone for a run or hit the gym in a year. Every global wellness study says mental health issues have taken a leap during this time.

Now the question is, what does the future of workplace wellness hold? How vital are wellness programs, including coaching and therapy? Let's take a look.

Importance of Workplace Wellness in Post-COVID Times

There was a time when employers believed that employee wellness meant a lack of illness. Companies have come a long way since then as now they have started thinking about the need of a holistic approach, they are now opening to include mental health programs and well-being coaching.

The Coronavirus outbreak has forced employers to change their perspective on workplace wellness. This includes emotional well-being and mental health besides physical condition. Attention to employees well-being will offer benefits like -

●      Reduced absenteeism

●      Improved health conditions

●      Better engagement

●      Increased productivity

●      Improved morale

●      Positive brand image

There is physical health that needs attention. This will help keep away obesity, hypertension, diabetes etc. But mental health is crying out for help too. Besides treating depression, stress, and anxiety, well-being coaching will take the front seat.

Future of Workplace Wellness: Steps by Companies   

Most companies have some kind of wellness program in place. Companies need to analyze how new workplace well-being programs can help both parties. Employee well-being helped Johnson and Johnson save $250 million in a decade.

Regular health checkups, medical insurance, and gym memberships are already in place at most companies. Employers need to pay attention to workplace wellness by focusing on the following -

a) Psychological Counseling

 People are struggling every day with crippling mental health conditions. Providing psychological counseling will help manage Depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, substance abuse, etc. It will also tell them that you “see” them.

Easy access to counsellors and therapists will help detect mental health issues at an early stage. It can prevent mental health conditions becoming fatal. Thus, multiple counseling sessions will help employees stay healthy.

 Employers can offer different insurance options to cover mental health treatments. It will allow employees to opt for treatments and seek help. Companies will have to reconsider existing medical insurance to cover mental health.

b) Well-being Coaching

The current economic standstill has led people to wonder, "What's next?" Well-being coaching will support employees to stay motivated. It will encourage them to sharpen their strengths and strive to reach career goals.

Post lockdown, online consultations have become essential. Employees working remotely can opt for virtual programs for well-being training. It can help them pursue growth at a personal and professional level. It can be a transformational experience.

 Workers can rediscover themselves with the help of life coaching. A coach can help a person break boundaries and set higher goals. This results in confident employees. They will likely offer higher productivity with eyes on the goal.  

What Corporate Wellness Programs Might Look Like

The corporate world has changed in terms of how it functions. We now understand the importance of seamless communication and easy collaboration. We also know that a company can run smoothly even when employees work remotely and at flexible hours.

 The flexibility of working hours and location might improve productivity. Employees can work from their comfort zones once in a while and give better outputs. Companies will have to redesign their corporate wellness programs in the coming months. Here's what to expect:

a) Technology and virtual programs

Technology and virtual programs will dominate workplace wellness. Health portals will help track of calories consumed and burnt, nutrient input, etc. as tools of accountability. There will be webinars and telephonic sessions with health experts. Such sessions with doctors, dieticians, psychiatrists, and wellness coaches will replace face-to-face consultations.

b) Socialization and Entertainment initiatives

Wellness challenges will foster communication, socialization, and team spirit. This will build a sense of community even among remote workers. Entertainment initiatives might encourage employees to relax. From cooking videos to virtual music sessions, virtual initiatives can keep moods afloat.

e) Mental health

Mental and emotional well-being will be in the spotlight. Employers will focus on supporting employees struggling with duties at work and home. It’s likely that they will create a more supportive and appreciative environment for employees. They’ll also create better options for employees to choose treatments for mental health conditions.

g) Well-being coaching

Well-being coaching will become an essential tool to train employees. Workers will receive coaching on how to stay fit, be social, manage time, etc. The focus will be on finding solutions instead of just coping with problems. Life coaching can help every employee deal with everyday stress and maintain a healthy balance in life. 

So we can say that companies will have to focus on physical and mental health. From medical insurance to counseling sessions - a holistic approach is a must. Employers must create the appropriate environment for both remote and in-house workers.

Final Words:

Gone are the days when providing medical insurance to employees was enough In the post-COVID world, workplace wellness now demands a holistic approach. Organizations must address mental and emotional health. Employers will be required to allow workers to give their best from their comfort zones.

The future of corporate well-being is overall wellbeing. Wellness programs should include counseling sessions and virtual socialization initiatives. Coaching sessions to help employees to be proactive about their own lives and happiness.

There are platforms like SearchMyCoach where employers can find coaches. Wellness coaches can extend a helping hand to address wellbeing proactively. During these trying times, coaching can motivate employees to do better on every front.