2018 Workplace Wellness Trends

Wellness in the workplace is changing, and insurance coverage needs to change with it. The definition of a “workplace injury” has drastically evolved thanks to the Digital Era making virtual offices, telecommuting, and working around the clock the norm. There’s also a relatively new type of health prevalent in almost every industry and type of business—cyber health. Over 1,110 breaches occur in the U.S. every year, exposing over 171 million records. You don’t need to own a tech company to depend heavily on technology. From client records to website maintenance, cyber health should be a top priority for all types of workplaces.

 As 2018 approaches its second quarter and the U.S. is in the heart of flu season, let’s take a look at the top 2018 workplace wellness trends. How many are you addressing within your company, and where could a little “immunity boost” by way of change in insurance coverage or a shift in workplace policies help?

Americans are working more, with one in five under the age of 45 not taking any sick days. The demand to be a perfect multi-tasker who never takes a sick day is now thought of as being hard-working. “No one’s allowed to be sick, sickness is a weakness,” explains associate professor of social work LeaAnne DeRigne at the Florida Atlantic University. However, there’s nothing brave or noble about spreading illness to all your clients and co-workers. Failing to take sick days means more illnesses are being spread at workplaces.

Workplace injuries are taking on new meanings. You may be surprised what some of the most common workers’ compensation claims include, such as carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive movement. As Americans become more sedentary, there’s been an increase in repetitive motion injuries, particularly in the hands.

By far, the most common cyber breaches are in general businesses—not healthcare or banks. Nearly 157 million of the 171 million breaches in America in 2017 occurred in general businesses, not the more seemingly lucrative banking or medical industries. Cyberhealth is increasingly important as cyber breaches and hackers get more aggressive and refined. As more people are working remote, cybersecurity is, even more, a concern.

The 2018 flu strain is slated to surpass the peak 2009-10 swine pandemic and has already led to more hospitalizations per year in over a decade. You may have heard that this year’s flu strain is especially horrific because of its intensity and propensity to spread. Couple that with workers tempted to prove how committed they are by showing up to work sick, and it’s already caused numerous fatalities. Having proper health insurance is a must any year, but particularly when one of the deadliest flu seasons in recent history is in full force.

Companies are offering more wellness perks. It’s not all bad news in 2018. Companies continue to increase the number and quality of wellness perks to their employees. The best health insurance is an obvious benefit, but complimentary gym memberships, more generous family leave policies and increased alternative and holistic coverage (such as mental health and acupuncture) are just a few wellness perks that are becoming more common.

Wellness in the workplace is important because most adults spend the majority of their waking hours at work and/or taking care of work-related matters. Wellness is holistic and takes into account numerous variables including stress and environment. Prioritizing wellness in the workplace is symbiotic, benefiting employers, employees, and customers. Having proper insurance coverage is one of the best, fastest, and simplest ways to increase workplace wellness from health insurance for employees to workers’ compensation claims and cyber liability insurance.