Over the last 50 years, the typical office setting has drastically changed. It’s not just the progression of technology or the sudden shift to employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic that’s created a different landscape! Businesses are starting to focus on the health and happiness of employees as a key part of a successful business. The well being of employees is finally considered an important aspect of a company’s culture. And because of this, traditional employee assistance programs just aren’t cutting it anymore.
Companies are on the lookout for new employee assistance program ideas—programs that will actually take care of their staff! Instead of simply checking the box to say they’re paying for mental health services for their staff, they’re looking for programs that actually serve their team’s needs. Here are 3 growing trends in workplace wellness you should know about.
Employee Assistance Program Ideas: 3 Growing Trends
Corporate wellness has changed a lot over the years — if we were to go back in time about fifty years and visit the typical office, we’d be amazed. It used to be inconceivable that entire teams would work from home. Instantaneous communication has changed the remote work landscape to make it simple to collaborate with a team that could be located anywhere across the globe. Luckily, this prepared the workforce to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic with speed. The Coronavirus forced many staff that traditionally worked in an office environment to move to working remotely for their own safety.
There has also been a shift in overall knowledge of what a productive office should look like. Thankfully we’ve wised up since the good old days of huge unhealthy breakfasts, martini lunch meetings and inactive days. These days our home offices are healthier than ever.
But the office of tomorrow is getting even healthier thanks to some growing trends.
1. ANXIETY SUPPORT
Companies are beginning to offer group led counseling sessions. In these sessions, real world topics are addressed including trauma, addiction, anger management, and body issues brought on by stress in the workplace and beyond. Employee assistance program counseling provides a safe place to connect with others who are struggling with similar issues. These EAPs help to address employees’ issues before they impact their ability to work, keeping both your staff and your business healthier.
- Understanding anxiety from a physiological standpoint – including the autonomic nervous system response
- Identifying triggers and thoughts that lead to anxiety
- Learning regulation techniques through mindfulness practices
Related: How to Start an Employee Assistance Program With No Budget
2. GUIDED MEDITATION
Meditation has been proven to be a wonderful way to increase focus and productivity at work. Meditation has been around for centuries, and is now used mainly for relaxation and stress reduction. It’s a great addition to employee assistance programs because it can help to focus your attention, so that you can let go of other thoughts filling your mind and causing stress. It doesn’t require equipment or skills, and you can meditate at work any time you want! All you need to do is sit still and clear your mind.
Even though this sounds simple, clearing your mind is often more challenging then it sounds. That’s why virtual guided meditation is such a great resource. This means that an expert meditation leader will guide your employees through the steps of meditation. This form of EAP counseling allows staff to focus on relaxing and clearing their minds of stress. With guided meditation your team can manage their mental health at work by sitting back, enjoying the ride, and most importantly, relaxing!
Related: Perks to Manage Remote Employee Stress
3. GUIDED YOGA
The health benefits behind yoga are well documented. Yoga doesn’t just improve posture and flexibility, it promotes better breathing and a better outlook on life. Regular yoga practice as part of an employee incentive program has been shown to increase energy, mindfulness, and overall satisfaction with life. Companies are jumping on the trend, offering yoga sessions during lunch hours or after work. In-office yoga as part of an employee assistance program can keep healthcare costs low while giving your employees an activity they already love doing. And the best part is, guided yoga is now offered virtually.
Companies can access the supportive teachings of yoga practitioners anytime, anywhere with virtual yoga offerings. This means physical and mental health, achieved through programs your employees actually want!
Related: 5 Innovative Ideas to Improve Employee Morale
