Since 2020, the landscape of wellness benefits has seen significant shifts, with employees and employers alike placing a heightened emphasis on mental health and preventative care. The ongoing evolution of workplace dynamics, including diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, and the rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements have further shaped the preferences and demands for wellness benefits.
At Medical Screenings Unlimited, we have been providing biometric screening events since 1996, working directly with Benefits Managers and Brokers to see first hand how these wellness preferences have evolved over the last several decades.
Employee health screening events have remained a constant, but what else has changed in recent years?
In this article, we’re outlining the changes we’ve seen in wellness benefits over the last few years, and how we think they’ll impact the wellness landscape for employers in 2024. By the end of the article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how employee preferences and needs have changed, and what wellness benefits are trending now, so that you can stay flexible and keep your employees’ needs top of mind in the coming year.
The Rise of Mental Health Awareness
Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing in the Workplace
Employers are increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health, with many implementing initiatives and benefits that address mental wellbeing to prevent stress and burnout. This prioritization shift is evident in the creation of things like mental health wellness fairs and the provisioning of resources that cater to diverse mental health needs.
Combating Burnout and Stress
To combat burnout and stress, employers are investing in wellness platforms and promoting apps like Calm, and creating “wellness rooms” within offices, providing a space for employees to relax and regain their thoughts after tough meetings.
Employers are also implementing specific wellness initiatives such as wellness retreat rooms and deep breathing sessions to address mental health challenges proactively. More than ever, employers are realizing that their teams are at the best when they feel their best, and more often than not, that starts with mental health.
The Introduction of Mental Health Wellness Fairs
Mental health wellness fairs are increasingly being organized to provide employees with various resources revolving around mental health wellbeing, showing employees that their mental health is valued and cared for by their employer, and is something to be prioritized.
An Emphasis on Preventative Care
The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
Preventative care has become a focal point, with employers encouraging employees to be proactive about their health. Regular health screenings, knowledge of blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1C levels are being emphasized more than ever, allowing individuals to take control of their health and prevent high-risk situations, especially pertaining to cardiovascular diseases.
Encouraging Regular Health Screenings and Check-ups
Employers are offering more robust preventative care packages, with some covering annual physicals and other health check-ups more than once a year, enabling employees to monitor and maintain their health effectively, making it part of their routine rather than something to be dealt with only when they’re sick.
Flexibility and Robust Preventative Care Packages
Adapting to the Needs of the Modern Employee
Flexibility in work schedules and robust preventative care packages are among the most sought-after wellness benefits in 2023. These benefits contribute significantly to employee wellbeing and overall company success by allowing employees to balance work and life effectively and take advantage of comprehensive healthcare options.
Flexible schedules and additional time off are being provided to support employees in managing their personal life and to prevent burnout, especially for those working in hybrid situations or required to be in the office.
The Hybrid Work Challenge
Balancing Work and Life in New Working Environments
The rise of remote and hybrid work arrangements has brought new challenges in balancing work and life. Employers are adopting strategies such as providing extra vacation time and allocating time for lunch breaks and walks to support employee wellbeing in these new working environments.
Employers are thinking outside the box to put employees’ wellbeing first, realizing that happier employees are more focused and productive. This includes providing support for both fully in-office and hybrid working models. Employers know now that foosball tables and free lunches aren’t going to bring their employees happiness, or contribute to their overall wellness.
What’s more? Gone are the days of back to back meetings, skipped lunches, and neglected fitness. We’ve seen companies prioritizing time between meetings, and some are even providing an additional hour during the day to allow for exercise.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Wellness Programs
Fostering an Inclusive and Supportive Work Environment
Wellness benefits are tied into broader efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a more inclusive and supportive work environment. Employers are ensuring that wellbeing programs are culturally accepting and inclusive of all, regardless of their background, race, or religious beliefs.
Employers are also creating programs that include the wellbeing of people from different walks of life and are providing resources for those struggling on different journeys, especially in the realm of mental health.
Leveraging Technology for Wellness Programs
The Role of Wellness Platforms in Employee Engagement
Technology is integral in shaping employee wellness programs. Employers are leveraging wellness platforms like Vitality to incentivize healthy behaviors, facilitate competitions, and keep track of wellness goals, driving employee engagement and making life easier for wellness coordinators.
Ongoing and Upcoming Trends: Financial Wellness
The Connection Between Financial and Mental Wellbeing
Looking ahead, we anticipate financial wellness to be a significant emerging trend, with financial stress being a major contributor to mental health issues. Employers are advised to stay informed and hire knowledgeable individuals in the field of wellness to stay ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.
Employers should prepare to adapt by ensuring they have knowledgeable individuals who are versed in the field of wellness and who can continue to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in wellness benefits.
How to Stay Ahead in the Ever-Evolving Landscape of Wellness Benefits
The landscape of wellness benefits is continually evolving, with mental health, preventative care, flexibility, and technology each playing significant roles. Employers need to stay informed and adapt to the emerging trends to meet the diverse needs of their employees effectively.
Medical Screenings Unlimited is at the forefront of promoting employee wellbeing by providing biometric screening services, helping employers stay ahead in offering the most in-demand wellness benefits and providing the health screenings necessary for employees to take their health into their own hands.
Are you an employer or a benefits coordinator? Are you ready to schedule a health screening event for your team? Contact us today to request a quote, and our team will reach out to make it happen!
