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There was a time when nearly all salaried employees drove, took the bus or subway, boarded a commuter train, or walked to work every weekday morning.
This age-old custom began to change in January 2020, when the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a national alert about outbreaks of the COVID-19 virus abroad. Come spring, the work-from-home movement officially arrives in the United States.
Looking back, the radicality of the movement is astounding. People who had been working for more than thirty years were suddenly meeting remotely on Zoom. While many employees have returned to the office today, remnants of the work-from-home movement may have gained permanent status.
In response to this potentially lasting change, HR professionals are re-evaluating benefits packages for employees, including benefits that support remote or flexible work arrangements. These benefits include a stipend for a home office setting, mental health resources, and flexible work hours.
Here are other steps being taken to address the new reality of remote work:
health plan: Employers are increasingly concerned about the physical and mental health of their remote workers due to a lack of mental stimulation and joy that comes with brotherhood and collegiality. Wellness plans may include gym memberships, wellness resources, counseling services and stress management programs.
Financial status: Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting their employees’ financial health. In response to this awareness, benefits including student loan assistance, financial education, and retirement planning have become increasingly common.
Childcare support: The challenges for men and women balancing work and family life are real and they’re not going away. To address this thorny challenge, some companies are providing childcare support. This support includes financial subsidies, on-site childcare facilities and flexible scheduling to accommodate parent responsibilities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives: Recognizing the increasing diversity of the workforce, companies are incorporating benefits that promote diversity, equity and inclusion. These benefits include mentoring programs, training on unconscious bias, and resources to support underrepresented groups.
Customized welfare package: The company recognizes that employees have diverse needs and begins to provide more personalized benefits. Benefits packages may include a range of options that employees can choose from based on their personal preferences and circumstances.
Technology driven solutions: It is undeniable that technology is expanding into every corner of our daily lives. It’s no surprise, then, that the use of technology in managing and delivering benefits is increasing. This growing footprint includes digital platforms for benefits administration, telemedicine services and health plan applications.
Expanding mental health support: Mental health awareness is increasing both inside and outside the workplace. In response to this increased awareness, employers are expanding the range of mental health benefits they offer their employees. Some of the initiatives being launched include access to counseling services, mental health days and stress reduction programmes.
Trends and changes in the ever-changing employee benefits space vary by industry, region, and company. Consult your trusted HR professional for the latest and most accurate information on how employee benefits are evolving to accommodate the remote work environment.
Tina VanBuren is a Client Services Manager and Partner responsible for serving clients’ interests and HR consulting needs using a unique service model. KMRD Partners, Inc. is a nationally recognized risk and human capital management consulting and insurance brokerage firm located in the Philadelphia area, serving clients worldwide.Tina’s contact information is [email protected]
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