Happy, healthy employees are essential for a thriving workplace, and recent workplace wellness trends highlight how companies are adapting to evolving employee needs. A survey of top benefits consultants across the U.S. reveals shifting priorities, with a growing focus on mental well-being, financial wellness, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I). As businesses navigate the post-pandemic landscape, wellness programs are becoming more holistic, leveraging technology and innovative strategies to support employee health, engagement, and productivity.
To understand the latest workplace wellness trends, Shortlister surveyed more than 125 top benefits consultants in the USA. These consultants represent thousands of top businesses in the US, covering millions of employees.
Workplace Wellness Trends 2020-2021
The survey identified 27 wellness solutions typically included in well-being strategies. Respondents were asked to choose their top three solutions in three categories: “Must Haves,” “Growing Demand,” and “Declining Demand.” The results were compared for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020 to understand changing workplace wellness trends and evolving needs.
- Must-Have Category: In 2018, wellness challenges were voted the top must-have well-being strategy, followed by biometrics and health risk assessments. However, by 2020, the priorities had shifted. Wellness platforms emerged as the top choice with 58% of votes, followed by mental wellbeing resources (40%) and behavioral health programs (21%).
- Growing Demand Category: Financial wellness programs were the most sought-after option in 2018 (40%), followed by mental well-being programs and on-site clinics. In 2020, the desired solutions remained similar, with financial wellness still on top, followed by mental well-being resources (32%) and caregiving services (elder care/child care) (32%).
- Declining Demand Category: Health risk assessments were the program with the least demand in 2018, followed by biometrics and on-site exercise options. This trend continued in 2020. Health risk assessments remained the least-desired option (42% of votes), with biometric screenings (40%) and on-site fitness centers (30%) close behind.
The COVID-19 Impact on Workplace Wellness Trends 2020-2021
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated shifts in the corporate wellness market. While health risk assessments and biometrics were seen as essential programs in 2018, they consistently ranked among the least-desired options in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Social distancing and remote work have reduced the need for these services, making them the least popular choices. This trend clearly shows the changing needs of employees in recent years.
Focus on Mental and Financial Well-being
Even before the pandemic, financial and mental well-being programs were gaining popularity. The pandemic and its aftermath have only driven up the demand for these programs since 2020.
2020 was a year of immense disruption for everyone globally. New challenges emerged, and new solutions were developed to address them. As employee well-being needs continue to evolve, corporate wellness programs must adapt and leverage the latest wellness technology to stay relevant. When employees feel supported by their workplaces, it increases engagement, productivity, and overall business success.
The COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t just a health crisis; it was a catalyst for a massive shift in employee wellness priorities. A recent survey explored how interest in various wellness programs changed since the pandemic began. Here’s a breakdown of the trends that emerged:
1. Remote Work Revolutionizes Wellness
The rise of remote work significantly impacted programs traditionally offered in person. Biometric screenings and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) saw a decline as employees shifted to home offices. However, a rebound is expected as some return to physical workspaces.
The new normal of remote work also brought unforeseen challenges. Ergonomics programs surged in popularity as makeshift home offices led to aches and pains from poor posture.
2. Addressing Pandemic Pressures
The pandemic’s toll on mental health was undeniable. This fueled a surge in interest in Behavioral Health programs, offering much-needed support for employees facing isolation, anxiety, and disrupted routines.
Disrupted routines also impacted families. Caregiving programs saw a significant increase as working parents juggled childcare with their jobs.
Financial uncertainty, a hallmark of the pandemic, highlighted the importance of Financial Wellness programs. Companies responded by offering resources to help employees navigate challenging economic times.
3. Adapting to the Virtual Landscape
With healthcare going virtual, telehealth experienced the most dramatic rise in interest among all the programs surveyed. Companies rapidly adopted telehealth solutions to provide convenient access to medical care for their remote workforce.
The closure of gyms also forced a change in fitness routines. To replace traditional on-site gym access, employers sought out virtual fitness solutions like on-demand fitness apps.
Beyond Physical Health: A Holistic Approach
The pandemic underscored the need for a more holistic approach to wellness, addressing employees’ physical, mental, and financial well-being. Sleep management programs also saw a rise in interest, reflecting the impact of pandemic-induced lifestyle changes on sleep patterns.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) Takes Center Stage
The social unrest of 2020 intensified the focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) across businesses. A significant portion of respondents (32.6%) reported that their clients are incorporating DE&I objectives into their well-being strategies.
This focus on DE&I extends beyond just wellness programs. The survey also revealed a significant rise in interest for:
- Corporate Social Justice Consulting: Nearly 70% of respondents expect this trend to grow in 2021.
- DE&I Consulting and Training: Social issues in 2020 led to a surge in demand for consulting and training to help companies create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Over 70% of consultants reported increased interest in both areas.
- EEOC Compliance and Assessments: As hiring picks up, interest in programs related to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) compliance and pay equity assessments is expected to rise significantly.
Conclusion
The workplace wellness trends of 2020-2021 highlight a shift toward holistic well-being, with increased focus on mental health, financial wellness, and DE&I initiatives. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual solutions, from telehealth to remote fitness programs, reshaping how companies support employee well-being. As businesses continue to evolve, integrating innovative wellness strategies will be crucial in fostering a healthier, more engaged workforce.
For more information, check out Wellness360.
