Navigating workplace wellness programs in the age of COVID

We're early enough in 2021 that New Year's resolutions are still top of mind for many people, and workplace wellness programs may be seeing renewed interest. But as with so many aspects of life, COVID-19 is changing normal practice. In past years, employers may have brought in experts on nutrition, weight loss, or other health-related topics to conduct seminars for interested employees. Or employees may have organized lunchtime walking sessions to get some exercise and fresh air. Lately, however, the coronavirus has overshadowed the more typical health topics and sparked the need for a different kind of program.

Wellness and remote workers

Those lunch-and-learn sessions, on-site fitness centers, and group activities of prepandemic days are no longer so appealing. With many people working from home, the focus has turned to virtual programs.

Employers that once had their own on-site gyms or reimbursed employees for off-site gym memberships may now be steering workers toward streaming workout videos. Besides helping employees find online workouts, employers can find other ways to encourage fitness. For example, Fond, a company that provides rewards and recognition programs, encourages employers to provide simple pieces of equipment such as resistance bands to employees for use at home.

Mental health services for remote workers also should be considered, Fond says, since the stress of the pandemic has taken such a toll. Such services can be made available virtually rather than in person.