Health and Wellness Trends Defining the Workplace

INTRO

In SEEK’s 2024 report on the “happiest jobs” in Australia, the roles ranking highest in satisfaction levels are ‘those that are engaging, allow people to help others, provide good work-life balance, and offer fair pay and security.’ Clearly workers and jobseekers are now prioritising a wider range of factors that influence their overall happiness, health, wellbeing and job satisfaction.

So, what trends should employers be paying closer attention to and what can they do to support workplace health and wellness? 

Facilitating Flexibility

Although different industries and businesses will have varying priorities and opportunities to offer flexibility, there has been a global shift towards flexible work arrangements since the pandemic.

Whether this flexibility extends to working hours, sick days, where people work, or other support options, employees will feel more comfortable taking the necessary time for self-care without fear of repercussions or judgement in workplaces that offer flexible arrangements.

Taking Breaks 

Ensuring employees have access to break areas that allow them to physically, socially and mentally recharge, is key to productivity, happiness and wellbeing.

Mental Health Support

Food and Drink

Food and drink have the ability to improve how much employees socialise, their productivity, and ultimately how they feel. The definition of ‘healthy eating’ also varies from person to person so providing a wide range options, from super foods to tasty treats, allows employees to take charge of their own needs and wellbeing.

Social Connection

Social connection is essential, not optional. Whilst flexibility in working patterns and hours has become increasingly important, so too has social interaction and a sense of community in the workplace.

Social interaction is critical to overall wellbeing. Numerous research studies over the last 70 years have revealed the profound impact that social connectivity has on mental health, physical health, longevity, cognitive function and quality of life (Harvard Health Publishing & Blue Zones). As employees spend a significant proportion of their waking lives at work, if employers can help increase employee connection, they can improve their health.