Employers Re-evaluate Their Employee Health Benefits in Light of the Pandemic
COVID-19 impacted people around the world. For employers, COVID-19 created significant challenges and has changed the way that businesses function and thrive. As small businesses and large corporations attempt to find their footing in these trying times, the value of good employees becomes clear. Without hard-working employees, businesses stand very little chance of attracting and retaining new clients.
As workers face the challenges of remote work, stress levels rise to an all-time high. Even employees that have already returned to the office face mounting stress as they attempt to balance work and life. This is especially true for workers with small children or elderly family members at home. It’s crucial that employers provide adequate employee support and employee health benefits during this time.
After the pandemic, it will likely take a long time for employees to recover from the economic, emotional, and mental health effects of COVID-19. Taking a comprehensive approach to employee benefits can help put employees at ease and provide a sense of security.
Communication is Key
According to the October 2020 Leading Indicator Systems (LIS) Workforce Listening Study, two-thirds of all workers believe the worst is yet to come. When compared to the May 2020 LIS Workforce Study, 45% more workers are extremely worried about being able to take care of their family. The study also found that 75% of workers find it difficult to work under current conditions.
It’s more important than ever that employers show their employees they care about their wellness and support them. In addition to communicating regularly with employees and using surveys or other methods to evaluate employee emotional health and wellbeing, employers should communicate how they plan to support employees and their families throughout the year.
It’s important that employers reduce stigma around mental health and encourage employees to seek help when needed. Options like telehealth allow patients to connect with mental health providers via video conferencing software. This provides a convenient option and reduces stress around visiting a crowded office building. It’s also important that employers take some time to focus on mindfulness and gratitude in the workplace. This can help cultivate happiness and increase employee satisfaction.
Employers should discuss the importance of preventative care and physical well-being. These discussions should include tips on how employees can get the most out of their employee health benefits. If employers haven’t implemented or revised their employee health benefit plan, now is the time to do so. Employers that do not offer competitive employee health benefits will likely find it difficult to retain employees this year.
Orange County Employee Benefits Partner
MEBO offers customized employee benefit plans to meet the changing needs of employers and their staff. We work directly with our clients to evaluate their needs and develop a comprehensive plan. Please contact us for information about our services.
