This morning, Sinziana Luchian, Director of Health Care Initiatives at the Detroit Regional Chamber had the opportunity to speak at the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber Healthcare Forecast Breakfast. Sinziana presented on the forecast of workforce wellness and shared strategies for businesses to support employees. Since COVID-19, the workforce and the expectations for wellness have changed dramatically. In this article, there will be a brief recap of what was discussed during this informative event.
Lasting Effects from COVID-19
COVID-19 brought significant changes to our everyday lives, and in the workplace. Work environments became much different for households across America. Some people were essential workers that continued to go to work in person as usual. But for many, layoffs, remote work, and caregiving were just one of many changes that came along with the pandemic. Due to all these factors, there was an increase in mental illness as well as stress and burnout. In fact, The World Health Organization classified burnout as a medical diagnosis, “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.” A recent study found that burnout is on the rise globally, significantly in the U.S. where 43% of middle managers reported burnout, and 70% of C-Suite considered quitting to search for a job that responded to their mental health and well-being (KKF).
We spend much of our lives working. COVID-19 opened the discussion for change in the workplace to occur. When 81,396 hours (about 9 and a half years) on average are used working throughout our lifetime, it is important to make sure we are healthy, happy, and productive at work.
Why Focus on Workplace Wellness?
- Retain and attract top talent.
- Increased productivity, engagement and overall satisfaction with the work environment.
- Decreased absenteeism and “quiet quitting”.
Top Trends of 2023 to Implement in Your Workplace
- Focus on flexibility.
- Fight burnout with time off.
- Support employees that are also caregivers.
- Offer financial education and support.
- Prioritize mental health.
- Develop a sense of belonging in the workplace.
When your employees are well, so is your business. Interested in improving your workplace? Read more about our employer guides here and subscribe to our newsletter. Stay in the know with the top workplace health trends and receive invitations to future events that Wellness Works will be a part of.