The push to return to in-person work is gaining momentum, with companies like AT&T, Amazon, and JPMorgan Chase mandating office attendance. However, this shift comes with challenges, including a potential decline in employee engagement and well-being.
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 46% of workers would likely leave their jobs if remote work were no longer available. This sentiment highlights a significant divide between employers and employees. To address these concerns, companies must prioritize employee wellness beyond the basics.
There are three key areas to focus on: emotional, spiritual, and social wellness. Emotional wellness addresses stress and burnout, which can be caused by financial pressures, health concerns, personal matters, job security, and the shift back to the office. Companies can support employees emotionally by offering comprehensive mental health resources, training leaders with emotional intelligence, and creating a supportive work environment.
Spiritual wellness involves creating an environment where team members feel a stronger sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to their work. This can be achieved by reconnecting employees with the organization’s mission and values, inspiring them with the “dream and big picture,” and creating space for reflection on their purpose within the organization.
Social wellness is critical in combating loneliness, a silent epidemic that affects 62% of employed adults. Companies must move beyond superficial gestures and prioritize genuine engagement to rebuild connections and create a sense of belonging. This can be done through team-building activities, designing office spaces that encourage collaboration, and focusing on authentic social connections.
By addressing these three areas, companies can revamp their wellness initiatives and improve employee well-being far beyond the office corridors. The return to office is an opportunity to prioritize employee wellness, not just a logistical challenge. As companies navigate this shift, they must remember that employee satisfaction and engagement are key to long-term success.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/julianhayesii/2025/01/16/to-succeed-with-return-to-office-focus-on-these-3-wellness-strategies