How digital companies are promoting employee wellbeing during Covid-19

In recent years, there’s been a trend toward workplace wellness programmes because the evidence shows that they improve employee health - while also reducing long-term costs for employers.

But during the Covid-19 crisis, the wellbeing of many employees has been strained. Factors such as illness, childcare issues and economic uncertainty have put pressure on many. Unfortunately, many wellness programmes aren’t fit for purpose in the current circumstances.

The strain on employers is also enormous. But even if money is tight, some small changes can boost morale, productivity, motivation and have long-term health benefits.

Covid-19 has changed the type of support employees need, as well as what can be provided. Luckily, a plethora of remote resources and virtual programmes are coming to the fore, which will be helpful over the coming months.

Many of these online options are relatively inexpensive. They allow employers to reimagine and pivot their employee wellbeing initiatives. For example, by providing online workouts, rather than gym memberships and sending remote workers meal kits, instead of buying them lunch.

Here’s what some companies in the digital sector are doing to boost employee wellbeing, particularly for those working from home.

Maximising flexibility

Promoting wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated. Indeed employees also received a day off in May to look after their wellbeing in whatever way they saw fit.

Other digital employers have gone even further. Dropbox has extended the use of flexible working and flexible leave policies during the current crisis. Their staff in Dublin, and beyond, can build their own work routine, allowing them to take care of their personal responsibilities too.

Research shows that employees who can balance their professional and personal responsibilities are more productive, less stressed and have better wellbeing overall. So Dropbox is likely to benefit from its current approach.

Working it out

At Microsoft, most of its employee wellbeing programme has moved online. From nutritionists to financial planning supports, staff have access to the same resources at home as they would in an office.

A range of virtual fitness classes also take place each day to promote physical health, as well as social interactions.