This is your HR news flash for the week of September 14, 2020, your briefing on talent management and the world of work from HRCI.

Employer wellness programs can play a valuable role in supporting employees. However, many programs were originally designed for an office setting. 

Here are three steps you can take this week to adapt your wellness program to remote work life.

First, offer digital fitness subscriptions.

Before the pandemic, a popular wellness perk was offering discounted rates to onsite gyms. With gyms slowly reopening or operating at a reduced capacity, online classes and apps are an alternative that can help keep people moving even while they are safely sheltering at home.

Second, encourage mobility.

Video conferencing has replaced in-person meetings for many of us — and it’s easy to spend the entire day staring at your laptop. Encourage team members to take as many of their calls as possible the old-fashioned way: audio only. This will give your employees the freedom to get up from their desks and take a walk.

Finally, address mental health in your wellness plan.

Remote work introduces new challenges and stressors to the workplace, including isolation. A side effect of this is that many employees may be struggling with their mental health.

Incorporate programs that address social connection and emotional well-being. For example, you can schedule a yoga class once a month. This will serve the dual purpose of teaching workers how to destress and letting them connect with peers.

This is Ruth Hartgen, PHR, with HRCI. This concludes your HR News Flash. HRCI prepares HR leaders for the digital age. Thanks for listening. Check back soon for the workplace news you need. Learn more at HRCI.org.