The COVID-19 pandemic has served as a catalyst for changes in our workplaces. Now, over one year into this global event, organizations comprehend its profound impact on both spheres of our lives – personal and professional. Some may even argue that these two are no more separate – rather more entwined than ever as people experience daily rendezvous (in one way or the other) between colleagues and our family members. With this emerging new normal, organizations need to adapt to these changing dynamics and reinvent the way we engage with our associates, teams, clients, and communities.
While progressive organizations have long recognized that wellbeing is important, the pandemic brought home how significant it really is. It’s the aspiration, values and purpose of organizations that serve as a compass during these challenging times, with wellbeing at the core. Organizations suddenly found themselves called upon to prioritize associate wellbeing as a matter of survival, as protecting their health and alleviating their stress became critical to business. Recognizing the inextricable link among our wellbeing, our work, and our lives paves the way for us to individually and collectively contemplate how each component can be integrated so that both associates and organizations can thrive moving forward.
An environment where people of all walks of life feel supported and valued is key to a happy and inclusive workplace. This is an environment that enables people to be their best self at work, home and in their communities. Organizations that are built on a culture of trust, transparency and empathy will stand out in today’s world.
The need for holistic employee wellbeing is clear as a day, with an emphasis on ‘holistic.’ Employee wellbeing must encompass emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of an individual. Organizations benefit from fostering a culture of wellbeing at work that transcends to the homes as well as families of their associates. At the end of the day every associate is looking for a fair exchange between what they give to their company and what they get back.
Employee experience and wellbeing is going to form the foundation of a futuristic workplace. As organizations move towards hybrid models, a combination of physical and remote workspace, future wellbeing strategies will need to align with this hybrid model. Wellbeing offerings must be flexible and nimble, which cater to following pertinent aspect:
The future of wellbeing is holistic and built seamlessly into the employee experience in a hybrid work environment. Technology and wellbeing are at an inflection point, making it imperative for organizations to listen and adapt to create an environment of flexibility, tolerance, support, and compassion. Regardless of the industry these key aspects can help steer the wellbeing charter of an organization in the desired direction.