Employee well-being trends for 2021 point to a safer, stronger workplace

After what has been deemed the most stressful year ever for employees, 2021 will be a year of evolution and innovation in workplace wellness.

No longer does “wellness” qualify as a nice-to-have employee benefit, it is now tightly integrated with workplace strategy. All smart employers have not only witnessed but are embracing the fact that employees who are healthy—mentally, physically, financially, socially—are more productive and loyal. We are witnessing another industrial revolution.

The pandemic wrought waves of disruption—a health crisis, the shift to remote work, the economic turmoil. Then the social-justice movement spilled onto America’s streets, forcing organizations to reckon with their own often flawed records.  Now there’s no looking back. Expect to see permanent change in several areas of employee well-being.

Mental health will be destigmatized. Via virtual offerings, more open communication and a focus on corporate culture, employers will be investing time and money into improving employees’ mental well-being. Investments in artificial intelligence will continue to rise, as AI can accelerate personalized care and design of benefits while removing some of the discomfort employees may feel about sharing their mental health issues with other humans.