The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in many changes as organizations worked to adapt to the altered landscape. As reopenings continue, employers may want to consider keeping several of these changes into the future.

An increased focus on wellness

Businesses and organizations should continue to focus on wellness to ensure a healthy and satisfied workforce, which may include:

  • Offering mental health services
  • Offering financial advisors
  • Having regular check-ins with employees
  • Educating employees on warning signs of poor mental health

A shift in access to health care

Adaptations in how individuals receive care, including virtual appointments with a physician over the phone or internet and receiving test results digitally, can be much more convenient and safer for employees in the long term. Consider shifting health care access from the care facility to the patients by allowing options for utilizing telemedicine and health care management apps.

Enhanced communications

An influx of remote workers and changes in how they communicate has made it apparent that not everything needs to be face-to-face anymore. Consider utilizing video technology for recruiting, meetings, and team-bonding events. Additionally, continue to be transparent and empathetic in conveying information about challenges the organization faces with employees.

Agile work environments

Perhaps one of the most popular changes is the widespread emphasis on flexibility. Offering flexibility is not only beneficial for employees, but it makes an organization more appealing when prospecting candidates, attracting talent, and improving productivity. Agile work environments usually consist of:

  • Staggering shift schedules
  • Remote working options
  • Utilizing video technology rather than having employees travel
  • Offering and promoting the use of more vacation time
  • Alternative workweek schedules such as four shifts of 10 hours, rather than five shifts of eight hours
  • Employee-chosen work hours

Contact your Cowan Insurance Group representative for more information on employee health and wellness-related and other topics to help your employees return to work post-coronavirus.