Published March 2023
Recently, viral trends like “quiet quitting” and “acting your wage” have emerged as topics of conversation among the workforce. These terms tie back to the importance of well-being and setting boundaries when it comes to employee behavior and mindsets. For instance, “acting your wage” is about doing the work for the job you’re being paid for, rather than taking on more responsibility for no extra pay or recognition. Similarly, “quiet quitting” is when employees “quit” taking on extra responsibilities and simply just meet their job description, often to create a better work-life balance.
The occurrence of these trends is not surprising, since according to new data, only 32% of U.S. employees say they’re engaged at work. Here we explore how your organization can re-engage employees by leveraging benefits offerings to prevent burnout, foster employee well-being and retain top talent.
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Encourage mental health and well-being offerings.
When it comes to mental health in the workplace, a recent report found that 84% of workers said robust and comprehensive mental health benefits were an important factor when considering a new job. As employers think about fostering well-being, benefits and resources for mental health should be top of mind. Consider offering employee assistance programs, virtual mental health offerings and mental health days to improve employees’ overall well-being.
Additionally, it’s important to continue reducing the stigma of mental health conditions in the workplace and elsewhere. Support groups and accommodations for employees should be widely publicized. Open lines of communication are also key. Encourage managers to have regular check-ins with their direct reports so they gain a better understanding of when employees might feel stressed.
Offer support for parents and caregivers.
Almost three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are still taking time off and even leaving their jobs because childcare options remain scarce. When it comes to quiet quitters who are working parents with children under 18, the majority surveyed (65%) said that setting boundaries has improved their work-life balance.
Part of supporting employee well-being involves organization-wide acknowledgement that employees have external responsibilities, such as caring for children or aging loved ones. Furthermore, offering a strong and comprehensive set of benefits that support parents and caregivers can help de-stress employees. Consider benefits like affordable childcare solutions, reliable backup childcare options and caregiver concierge services.
Promote flexible schedules and healthy work habits.
To foster employee well-being, companies should continue to consider flexible hybrid and remote work policies that allow employees to better fit home and life responsibilities around their job. A recent survey found that employees with flexible work options showed higher scores for productivity, connection and company culture. Employees with full schedule flexibility reported 29% higher productivity and 53% greater ability to focus than those with no ability to shift their schedule. The report also found that flexible remote work policies were cited as the number one factor that has improved company culture over the past two years.
Additionally, encouraging healthy work habits from the top down can show employees that your organization walks the walk when it comes to prioritizing their well-being. From respecting PTO and allowing employees to fully unplug on vacation to setting a “no email outside of working hours” expectation, you can encourage employees to set boundaries, helping them alleviate the pressure to be “on” at all hours.
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Employee burnout is real. Truly understanding your employees and using these tips will help improve their well-being and increase your chances of attracting and retaining top talent.
To confirm eligibility for any programs or services mentioned in this article as it relates to your specific health plan, please reach out to your account executive or HR benefits team. You may also speak to our member services team at (888)-333-4742 or by sending a secure email. And for plan details and other member resources, log in to the member portal.