Right now, the business world is in the middle of a sea change—a transformation in how organizations look after their employees. Until recent years, it would be fair to say that relatively few businesses gave a second thought to support services for employee mental or physical health. Nor did many think about poor wellbeing’s effects on workplace atmosphere, productivity and their bottom line. But when people started seeing the numbers, the sea change began.

Thinking of wellbeing as a workplace issue can create a healthier and more productive workforce. To increase the number of thriving employees in your organization, it's worth understanding wellbeing the way your employees do.

The generational makeup of the workforce is changing rapidly: In 2015, Baby Boomers made up 29 percent of the workforce, while Generation X and Millennials each made up 34 percent. But it was reported that by 2020, Millennials are poised to make up 50 percent of the global workforce.

Even as Millennials dominate the workforce, employees are living and working longer. This means some businesses can soon expect to have up to five generations of employees in their ranks. How will these impact employers? And how can it impact an organizational’s wellbeing strategy?  

So how do you craft a well-being strategy when your employee base is not homogeneous?

Under the campaign, #PledgeForHealth, People Matters in partnership with ekincare brings you this checklist toolkit on mapping the needs of different generations and selecting the right wellbeing programs for them.

Millennials & Gen-Z

Millennials see themselves as indestructible. They are young and full of energy and they are not very keen on taking up health check-ups.  The Gen-Z and millennials can be classified as the digital natives and it is obvious that they get really excited when technology and gadgets are brought into the play.

While crafting a wellbeing program for this generation, you might want to include following benefits:

• Gamified challenges
• Sync wearables
• Gyms & Fitness
• Diet Charts

Gen-X

Status hungry and hardworking, Gen-X may expect employment perks to match. They increasingly suffer with health issues related to age, such as weight gain, chronic disease, etc. Caring for children as well as elderly parents often creates emotional stress.

While crafting a wellbeing program for this generation, you might want to include following benefits:

• Annual Health Check-ups
• Doctor Consultations
• Pharmacy Orders
• Manage Family Health

Baby Boomers

This generation is in the period of life where diseases and disabilities most often develop. The seniors have a core need for taking care of their lifestyle issues and manage their healthcare expenses. 

While crafting a wellbeing program for this generation, you might want to include following benefits:

• Regular Health Checks
• Health Coaches
• Monthly Pharmacy
• Family Doctor

The most successful wellbeing programs are those that recognize the specific needs and expectations of today’s changing and diverse workforce. Failure to do this can negatively impact engagement and productivity.

How will you support your multigenerational wellbeing needs? Click here to pledge now.