employee wellbeing trends
This blog will cover seven key trends:
- Action-driven initiatives
- Taking a holistic approach to wellbeing
- Using a preventative approach
- Rise in health tech
- Discussions around flexible working
- Increased attention on financial support
- Creating a sense of belonging
As we embark on a new year, we’ve collated some key trends set to impact employee wellbeing during 2024. From increasing financial wellbeing support to continuing the conversation on flexible working post-Covid, take a look at some themes set to impact employees this year.
Employee wellbeing trends for 2024
1. Action-driven initiatives
According to insight by The Wellbeing Project, in 2024 employees will be looking for action-driven initiatives that promote their wellbeing. These could include things such as coaching, onsite wellbeing days, resilience training, and subsidised healthcare.
2. Holistic approach to employee wellbeing
Corporate Wellness Magazine predicts that the importance of workplace wellness will continue to grow in 2024, with a focus on holistic wellbeing programs that encompass not only physical health but also mental, emotional, and social wellbeing – covering a range of diverse needs. Some leading companies are investing in comprehensive wellness initiatives that address things such as stress management, mindfulness, emotional resilience and even improving social connections.
3. Taking a preventative approach
Taking a preventative approach using initiatives such as health screening and personalised health assessments has also been highlighted as something that’s set to rise this year. According to The HR Director, organisations are increasingly seeing the value in providing low cost, high value health screens to employees. These are a great way for businesses to understand risks, and for employees to learn about their own health risks, as well as practical ways to manage them.
At Optima Health, we work with organisations to put effective health screening programmes in place, read more about how our services support employers to look after their staff here.
A report by the CIPD highlighted that employee assistance programmes (EAPs) continue to be the most common wellbeing benefit offered, followed by access to counselling services. Learn more about the EAP offering we provide at Optima Health.
4. Rise in health tech
We’ve seen AI burst onto the mainstream scene over 2023, and across 2024 it’s expected organisations will begin to seriously explore how AI tools can best be used. ITN Business predict that AI is set to become an integral part of various daily systems, automating mundane tasks and elevating decision-making processes. The rise in health tech is also set to include personalised and data-driven experiences.
5. Continued discussions around flexible working
Despite more organisations getting employees back into the workplace across 2023, research shows that employees want flexibility – rather than blanket approaches. Research by CIPD highlights that 4 million workers changed careers due to lack of flexibility at work, only adding to the skills shortages. Employers’ attitudes towards flexibility and hybrid-working will be key this year in how they can attract and retain staff.
6. Increased attention on financial wellbeing
The cost-of-living crisis has continued to add additional strain onto people’s finances and health. According to data from CIPD from winter 2023, 33% of those surveyed reported that money worries had affected their ability to do their job, while only 31% felt their employer was doing enough to support their financial wellbeing. CIPD’s Health and Wellbeing Report shows that financial wellbeing is getting increased interest, with 57% of employers reporting their health and wellbeing activity is now designed to promote financial wellbeing. Corporate Wellness Magazine suggest considering programmes that offer financial education, debt management resources, assistance with retirement planning, and access to financial advisors.
7. Creating a sense of belonging
According to HR Review, the need for connection is a key trend for 2024. It states that post-pandemic one in 10 employees feel lonely, with loneliness costing employers £2.5 billion annually. Your workplace culture, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategy are key initiatives to help work towards an environment where a diverse range of employees feel valued, included and connected to each other. HR Grapevine also state that diversity and inclusion efforts are set to extend to wellness programmes, addressing disparities and understanding unique needs and challenges to allow for tailored benefits.
Summary
As we stand on the threshold of 2024, the landscape of employee wellbeing is set to continue shifting alongside emerging technologies and employee needs. The trends outlined for the upcoming year give some food for thought on what employees can anticipate, and what organisations can look to prioritise.
Further support
CIPD – Health and wellbeing at work.
Acas – Professional guidance on range of topics from work-related stress to safety.
Mental Health at Work – Tools and resources to help support staff with mental health.
Optima Health provide a range of occupational health and mental health interventions to help support employee wellbeing and reduce sickness absence. Contact us today to find out how Optima Health can support your health and wellbeing initiatives.