As we progress through 2021 with the vaccine roll-out, many companies are deciding to keep their workforce remote due to the effectiveness in productivity as well as reduced costs. Others are turning to a hybrid model, staggering employees with a few days in the office and a few days at home. While working from home has benefits for both employers and employees, it can also have negative impacts on mental health, and for some, that impact is detrimental. For this reason, it is important that employers put wellness incentive programs in place to support their employees’ mental health.  

Employee Appreciation Day is March 5th and is a great opportunity to show appreciation for employees. For those returning to the office in person, the risks they are taking during the pandemic need to be acknowledged and employers need to ensure employees feel safe in their workplace. For employees who are working from home, there are no more “office perks” that benefit or enhance the employee experience, so it is important for employers to find creative ways to show appreciation for their staff’s hard work and effort throughout the year. Making adjustments like moving certain office perks, like a fitness class to Zoom, can go a long way in strengthening the relationship between the employer and employee. 

It may be a new year, but that hasn’t erased the employee burnout or safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether a business is operating remotely or managing under new safety protocols to bring back an in-person workforce, employee absenteeism remains a costly challenge to employers.