Corporate Wellness Trends for 2017
Wellness at Work – Top Seven Corporate Wellness Trends for 2017 (Part 1 of 2)
The Top Trends Impacting Both Employers and Employees
Rises in healthcare and talent acquisition costs, workplace stress and high turnover rates …sound familiar?
These red flags impact your business daily. Combating them may seem like an overwhelming task – but it doesn’t need to be.
Recognizing and understanding the top trends impacting wellness in the workplace is the first step. Implementing a strategic Wellness Program is the second.
In fact, studies show that implementing a strategic wellness plan at work can reduce sick days, help businesses retain top talent, and increase ROI.
There are 7 corporate wellness trends I recommend companies consider in 2017.
- Wellness Programs as a Legit Business Strategy
The conversation needs to shift from wellness as being a “nice-to-have” program to a business necessity. A comprehensive corporate wellness program is a strategic response that can help lower healthcare and talent acquisition costs, avoid layoffs, improve employee engagement (especially with Millennials), retain top talent and much more.
For every dollar spent on wellness there is an opportunity for a 3-to-1 return on investment (ROI) for those who implement a top to bottom strategy. Companies like Johnson & Johnson did just that.
When a program can help both the bottom line and the employees it’s a win-win and should be a no brainer.
- Millennials, Gen Z and Cross-Generational Engagement
Millennials continue to impact the workforce and Generation Z joins the ranks for the first time in 2017.
Engagement and inclusiveness continue to be important motivators in creating and maintaining Wellness programs that work.
Mentorship programs and managerial styles that focus on coaching and personal growth will go a long way to retaining top talent from these generations.
Remember that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach and that particularly (although not exclusively) with younger generations, employees want to be appreciated, heard, and valued as if they are a part of something bigger no matter what year they were born. Capitalize on this desire for engagement and connectivity to get buy-in when launching a new wellness program or revamping a current one.
- Remote Management and Outsourcing
Flex schedules, remote workers, and outsourcing will continue to happen in the 2017 workplace as competition in the marketplace increases.
Keeping everyone involved and ensuring there are no communication silos is critical to creating a seamless working environment. Skype, GoToMeeting and other video conferencing services make this easier, as do Slack and messaging services.
Staying connected and providing training for managers on how to handle remote employees is critical.
When you’re ready. Here are some next steps:
- Grab a copy of Fatal Flaws of Employee Wellness Programs. Create a wellness strategy that will actually get results. Available on Amazon here.
- Let’s skip theory and talk about your company. Set up your call here at www.speakwithalison.com
