Think of one word to define the last year…uncertainty.  We all know what uncertainty brings on…anxiety.  Each week we do not know what will come next, and that is taking a toll on our workforce’s mental health. 

People working from home during the pandemic are experiencing higher levels of stress and withholding mental health conditions from their employer for fear of a negative impact on career progression, according to a new health and safety at work report by Lloyd’s Register.

One of ASE’s wellness partners, BurnAlong, recently partnered with hr.research Institute to conduct a survey, “The State of Employee Health and Well-being 2021.” The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted employee well-being and employers must react.

If COVID has taught us anything, it’s that we must be resilient during extreme times of change like we’ve experienced during the pandemic.  However, new research shows that only 19% of U.S. workers possess a high level of resiliency.

In a recent ASE Member discussion, members talked about how they miss the unplanned interactions in the office. These often become the starting point for solving problems and getting work done.  Studies have shown that the amount of time spent planning projects and communicating effectively for a virtual team is at least double what it is for an in‐person team.  How can your virtual team mimic that informal talk in the lunchroom or catching someone in the hallway?

Ready to join those elite 8% of people who successfully hit their goals? Where do you want to see your department at the end of 2021? Writing your goals does not have to be difficult. Base them on intention. If circumstances change, simply modify your goals.

Office parties are so last year. Planning an office party in 2020 is not an easy task.  Its time to think of alternatives to the annual event. Your employees will appreciate any effort you take to make the office holiday party one they look forward to, even if it is through a Zoom call. They deserve it, after all, 2020 has been quite a year.

Many organizations have had to tighten their budgets due to the pandemic.  Employees understand this, but it’s still nice to feel appreciated, and employees have become accustomed to employers expressing that appreciation at year-end.  It doesn’t have to cost a fortune to show your employees you appreciate them.

Human Experience Management (HXM) is on the rise. We are all in this big experiment of remote work, return to work, and being an essential worksite.  Employees expect and need more than pay and benefits. They want experiences.  Their experience involves the technology they use, company culture, agility, and employee development and growth opportunities.   

Employees are prioritizing their safety, security, and personal values over money and titles according to the results of the Worker Value Survey, conducted by WorldatWork. The study of more than 5,400 working professionals uncovered significant workplace shifts and reflects the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns and social issues.

A new study, Workplaces in Crisis: Employee Care Still Missing the Mark, was recently released by an employee experience software company, Limeade. The study revisits the Limeade 2020 Employee Care Report from March, comparing results from before the pandemic with today. The findings reveal how COVID-19 has impacted employee burnout, emotional health, overall well-being, and engagement – and how both managers and companies are falling short on showing employees they authentically care.

A new survey from FlexJobs and Mental Health America (MHA) reports that 75% of workers have experienced burnout, and 40% of those polled said it was a direct result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Many employers are grappling with how to help workers and their families balance work and their children’s education. As the first day of school approaches – employers are learning how to provide support by getting creative.

According to a second pulse survey by KPMG LLP, 79% of U.S. workers from organizations with more than 1,000 employees indicate that over the last four months, the quality of their work has improved, 70% say that their productivity has increased, and 67% indicate their work-life balance has improved. 84% are satisfied with their employer's response to the pandemic.

Returning to the workplace does not equal returning to life as it was pre-pandemic and just might be more complicated than the initial lock-down.  A new study by Mercer shows that employers are looking for ways to preserve their employees’ health and well-being while keeping them energized and productive.