Long Live The Water Cooler Conversation: One Shortcoming Of Remote Work
What is often considered a harmless distraction for office workers may actually be providing some long-neglected wellness and productivity benefits. As more and more jobs offer remote work options, the daily social ritual of small talk or “water cooler conversations”—and any benefits they might be carrying with them—seem to be fading fast.
Study: Tobacco Cessation Programs Need More Than Behavioral Interventions
One of the most substantial ways to improve employee well-being is by helping them quit smoking through tobacco cessation programs, which often include behavioral interventions. However, research suggests that behavioral support on its own may not be enough, and using medication in conjunction with behavioral interventions can significantly improve the success rates for quitting.
CDC Releases Reopening Recommendations For Office Spaces
Communities across the country are in the process of lifting restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. For white-collar workers that have largely been able to perform job tasks remotely, companies have been less eager to get back into their office space. Still, as these reopenings progress, more businesses are setting up new health and safety protocols for their office spaces.
Study: Wellness Programs Improve Employee’s Health Beliefs, Not Clinical Outcomes
Researchers at the University of Illinois conducted a two-year study on the efficacy of workplace wellness programs. Coupled with previous research, their results seem to suggest a less-than-perfect impression of how effective wellness programs can be at reducing costs and providing measurable improvements in workforce wellness. However, it is important to distinguish what is and is not being measured in the studies.
As Businesses Reopen, Immunity Tests Are Losing Favor
As businesses reopen, many are turning to antibody tests in order to determine who is less likely to spread the disease or fall ill. However, most US companies will not be implementing the tests. Instead, they plan to focus on the use of face masks, temperature checks, diagnostic tests, and social distancing.
7 Stats On COVID-19’s Impact On Employee Mental Health
Stress related to COVID-19 is having an enormous impact on people’s mental health, as demand for support services surges and substance abuse and suicides continue to rise. A report from SHRM indicates that employees are struggling with depression and exhaustion, while failing to take care of themselves well.
Survey: Current Workforce Values Mental Health, Professional Development
EY recently conducted a survey to explore how companies can better retain and recruit talent by anticipating the desires of both the current and upcoming workforce. Results indicate that younger workers prioritize generous health benefits packages over competitive salaries, with a significant percentage specifically favoring mental health and addiction support.
Working From Home, Employees Lament Absence Of On-site Perks
While working remotely can be extremely attractive to employees, there are still several companies that have built workforce happiness through appealing on-site perks, which are no longer available as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Employers need to think about replacing these on-site perks to avoid a perceived reduction in benefits from employees.
Demands For Caregiving Benefits Accelerated by COVID-19
Pre-coronavirus, employee demand for caregiving benefits was on the rise. Now, many of the pandemic’s impacts—such as closed schools and childcare centers, as well as heightened concerns over the health of the elderly—have increased the burdens of caregiving endured by workers.