We recently discussed how COVID-19 and the rise of virtual healthcare have drastically altered how employees can take advantage of wellbeing programs. And while there are numerous options available (either through apps on a smartphone or video calls), it will take more than a “quick fix” to help employees have healthy bodies – and minds! – for the long-term as well.
Many free apps offer general health information and tips. It is important to keep in mind that many free resources do not ensure accurate or reliable information to help maintain or empower realistic healthy habits. Our current health crisis is cultivating levels of stress and anxiety, which can be reduced with reliable information, support, and activities.
So how can employers meet the need? What can be done to help employees right now, while still laying the foundation for a healthy future?
What’s happening right now?
Stress and anxiety are not new, but it can be difficult to overcome those issues when forced into a new routine. With many states under “stay at home” or “shelter in place” orders, employees are likely trying to find how best to balance everything from work to child care to self-care all under one roof.
For example, a global study from Qualtrics showed that 67% of individuals are reporting higher stress levels since the COVID-19 outbreak, while 57% are having increased anxiety.
Those numbers rise if individuals are also homeschooling their children. Qualtrics found that parents homeschooling are 47% more likely to report increased anxiety and 27% more likely to report increased stress.
Additionally, a recent poll from the American Psychiatric Association (APA) found that 36% of Americans said COVID-19 is having a serious impact on their mental health. Additionally, 59% said COVID-19 is having a serious impact on their day-to-day lives. Nearly one-in-four of those surveyed also said they have had trouble concentrating on other things because they are thinking about the pandemic.
Focusing on all key pillars of health
Even with increased levels of stress and anxiety, it is still important to improve other key areas of health and wellbeing. Proper nutrition and regular exercise will also impact employee wellbeing, and neither is going to be easy to maintain while quarantined at home.
For example, unhealthy snacking options are now just a quick walk from the living room to the kitchen. Without regular weeknight gym classes, it can be easier to just “forget” about finding time to work out.
That is why employers need to offer their employees a comprehensive option – built around the key pillars of stress, sleep, nutrition, and exercise. With Zillion’s RestoreResilience, members work with personal health coaches for one-on-one sessions, group, and in-app support. Every individual can develop a personalized approach to wellbeing as part of a larger lifestyle behavior modification program.
RestoreResilience coaches also focus on helping individuals discover opportunities to be their best during a time of uncertainty. They help set health and wellbeing goals to drive personal action and outcomes that are desired by the member. Coaches support members to identify and overcome barriers that get in their way.
A coach who works with individuals, based on a personalized plan, can help employees deal with the uncertain times of managing work and managing family 24/7. No breaks between work and home might be the new normal, but it does not need to fuel further stress and anxiety. RestoreResilience was designed to help in these circumstances and equip members with skills for a healthy life ahead.
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