06th March 2024
Top five wellbeing challenges employers face in 2024
The UK witnesses a surge in sickness absence as respiratory issues replace mental health concerns, posing challenges for employers. Strategies to address this include promoting hygiene and flu vaccinations. Financial hardships amplify stress among employees, necessitating compassionate support from managers. AI adoption threatens mental health, urging employers to prioritize emotional resilience training. Supporting employees with underlying health conditions and promoting equitable wellbeing form integral parts of ESG agendas.
From the original article written by Janet O’Neill and published in People Management.
Amidst a new era marked by turbulence, the UK sees a surge in sickness absence rates, signaling critical challenges ahead for businesses in 2024.
- Combatting Respiratory Illnesses: Respiratory conditions now surpass mental health issues as the primary cause of absenteeism, driven by lingering effects of recent viruses. Employers must prioritize preventive measures such as encouraging sick employees to stay home, promoting hand hygiene, and offering flu vaccinations.
- Addressing Financial Hardship: Financial struggles have become pervasive, affecting employees’ basic needs and mental wellbeing. Managers should show compassion and guide employees toward available support, including state benefits that many are unaware of.
- Mitigating AI’s Impact on Mental Health: The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence threatens job security and amplifies stress and anxiety among workers. Employers must equip employees with emotional resilience skills to navigate this transformative period successfully.
- Supporting Employees with Health Conditions: Many employees grapple with undisclosed health conditions, hindering their ability to thrive at work. Implementing reasonable adjustments tailored to individuals’ needs can significantly improve retention rates and workplace productivity.
- Promoting Equitable Wellbeing Initiatives: As ESG agendas expand to encompass employee wellbeing, businesses must ensure fairness and inclusivity in their wellbeing strategies. This requires data-driven insights to tailor initiatives to diverse demographics effectively.
In navigating these challenges, employers can foster a healthier, more resilient workforce, setting the stage for sustained success in the years ahead.
Read the original article here: Five wellbeing challenges employers will need to tackle in 2024
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