As we welcome a New Year, we reflect on 2022 and look forward to what 2023 may bring for us in the workplace.
The goal for many in the New Year; is to be a healthier and happier version of themselves. So, the question is, how can that goal be supported by your employer and extend into the workplace?
As we know, companies are still adjusting to the new normal and learning how to best navigate the hybrid world. This presents an opportunity for employers to listen to their employees and embrace the trend of flexible working. This can help maintain a healthy work- life balance and gives workers greater freedom to manage their own time.
With the cost of living crisis and the impending recession, businesses are going to have to think about how they can best support their employees financially. Financial worries are causing anxiety and stress, with 86% of people concerned about day-to-day living costs in an annual survey conducted by Pwc and Opinium[i]. Many are having to weigh up the cost of commuting versus the cost of heating. Employers are looking at ways to offset this cost, with PwC employees earning £50,000 or less a year receiving payments of between £1,000 and £1,500 over the next five months [1].
Diversity and inclusivity will be a priority for businesses going forward in the New Year. In a survey done by BCG, out of employees who reported they work in an inclusive culture, 81% also said they are happy in their jobs, which is three times more than those who don’t feel included [2]. Inclusion is essential to health and happiness, with employees twice as likely to have a good friend at work and say they have a positive work-life balance [3].
With sustainability also going to continue to be a trend in 2023, businesses can use this to create a healthy working environment. Whether it be from embracing biophilic design to improve indoor air quality and lower stress levels or to introduce cycle to work schemes and increase bike storage facilities, it can support the health and happiness of employees.
As employees rethink what they want from work going forwards, companies must respond in tandem. A commitment to support diversity, flexibility and, employee well-being has never been more important to retain and attract talent and kick off 2023 to a healthy and happy start!
[i] PwC (2022) How the cost of living crisis is changing people’s behaviours and their spending
https://www.pwc.co.uk/services/risk/rethink-risk/insights/how-the-cost-of-living-crisis-is-changing-people-s-behaviours-an.html
[1] How the cost of living crisis is changing people’s behaviours and their spending, PWC, (2022)
