The Future of Workplace Wellness in 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every aspect of our lives, including how and where we work. As a result, millions of people abruptly left the office to set up working stations from their homes.

While it was disruptive at the time, many people have since recognized the many benefits of working from home. Working from home helps people be more productive because it cuts out office distractions. It also saves employees time and money by eliminating commutes.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, in February 2020, only five percent of all working hours in the US were done at home. By May 2020, this number skyrocketed to 60 percent. Now, as we head into 2022, that number is holding steady at around 40 percent.

How Remote Working Impacts Workplace Wellness

Before the pandemic, workplaces that focused on wellness did things like offer gym memberships to their employees, cater healthy lunches, or host pre-workday yoga classes.

With more people working from home, workplace wellness has shifted from doing things inside the office to considering how to help employees stay healthy from home.

One concern with a remote workforce is that employees who work from home can feel like they’re always “on.” When do you call it a day when you don’t need to physically leave your workplace? Many workers have a hard time setting boundaries, leading them to work excessively longer hours than they would if they were commuting to and from the office every day.

Working long hours can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It can even lead to premature death. A study from the World Health Organization (WHO) found that a shocking 750,000 people die due to long working hours every year (considered working 55 or more hours per week).

Ways Employers Can Improve Employee Wellness

Enforce working hours - Employers can’t make their employees turn off their computers at a particular time. However, they can discourage communication outside of working hours. The United States might not reach the same point as Portugal, which recently made it illegal for bosses to contact their employees outside of working hours. However, employers can take a cue from the new legislation by creating boundaries that limit the amount of work that gets done outside of office hours.

Encourage socialization - Working remotely has its perks, but it can also be isolating. Therefore, employers with a remote workforce should encourage employees to socialize by hosting in-person meetings throughout the year along with teambuilding exercises.

Continue to offer paid leave - Working remotely shouldn’t mean that employees never get a day off. Employers will still need to offer paid leave to their workforce to ensure that employees have a chance to take a vacation or step away from work for a period of time.

Need a Break from Work? Check in to Four Seasons Westlake Village

Whether you’re an employer or an employee, you’ll need to take a break from work at some point in 2022. When that happens, check into a decadent room at Four Seasons Westlake Village.

Our amenities embrace wellness to help you restore and recharge your mind, body, and spirit. Visit our website to book your stay.