As you look around your office, take a moment to observe (without judgment) your colleagues and employees. Are any of them overweight, out of breath, and exhausted? Do any of your coworkers smoke, eat constantly, or snack on unhealthy foods? Do they often complain, call in sick, become angry, or appear depressed?

Chances are, if your workplace is like most, there will probably be at least one representative from the behavioral categories above. The truth is, Americans are overworked and under-rested. We’re overstressed and undernourished, overloaded and under-nurtured. These are the human trade-offs that enable companies to continue to make money in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. Couple this issue with the fact that a large segment of the working population would rather be doing something other than the job they have and you have the quintessential recipe for an unhealthy workplace.

Another important factor to consider is that the American workforce is aging. According to research compiled by Cianbro, a Maine-based company that has instituted a comprehensive employee wellness program, employees over age 55 will increase 42% in the next 6 years and the population over 65 will increase 8% by 2025. Heart attacks, stokes, cancer, and other debilitating diseases are, unfortunately, rather common and obesity is expected to overtake tobacco use as the leading cause of preventable death in America in the next few years. Additionally, health care costs have soared to $1.45 trillion per year. From 1990 to 2000 healthcare costs doubled from $700 billion to $1.4 trillion. The cost of a family PPO medical plan was $8,173 in 2002 and will rise to $17,980 in 2012. (www.cianbro.com/wellness)

So what is a socially responsible organization to do? My best recommendation: Become proactive. Institute a company-wide wellness initiative that encourages wellness and eliminates at-risk health behaviors. Some of our client companies have balked at this suggestion, fearing high cost, minimal documented health improvement, and lackluster program performance. However, when faced with the rising costs of health care, absenteeism, decreased productivity, low morale, and workplace injuries, company executives quickly begin to see the value in promoting wellness as part of their culture.

If you are contemplating instituting a workplace wellness program, congratulations! As a starting point, your initiatives should address the most common causes of employee illness: sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor nutrition, stress, obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension.

According to the Wellness Councils of America (www.welcoa.org), an effective wellness program guides participants toward optimal health behaviors by identifying risks and providing the education and coaching necessary to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Team members meet with a health educator to complete a health risk appraisal, then interviews are conducted at the worksite and over the telephone. Health educators discover one or two health issues important to the participant that they would like to work on changing. Action is then based on setting benchmarks that are reasonable, attainable, and sustainable.

Following are ideas you may want to include in your company’s wellness program that will empower your employees to become healthier and more productive:

• Movement / Meditation. If you have any unused worksite space, consider designating it for movement classes and/or meditation. Fifteen minutes of yoga, Pilates® or meditation will reduce stress, increase focus and mental clarity, and improve overall well-being. Encourage employees to take quiet time away from their desk for 5-10 minutes throughout the day. Sitting for extended periods can cause strain in the neck, shoulders and low back, and can also cause edema (swelling) of the feet, ankles and legs.
• On-Site Massage. Massage therapists routinely make office calls for 10-15 minute massages. This is not only a terrific perk for your employees, but a real boost to their health. Studies show that, following massage therapy, clients feel refreshed, relaxed, more focused, and also report a reduction in pain symptoms commonly associated with sitting and computer work.
• Blow the 5:30 Whistle. Today’s wellplace is about working smarter, not harder. It used to be that fast-trackers racked up brownie points by putting in long hours, taking work home, and coming in on the weekends. I bought into this mindset myself early on in my career. Then I realized if I’m not home taking care of my mind and body, who is? And when my mind and body burn out, who will go to work for me? No one. This is not a trade-off any of us should be making. Responsible, people-centric companies embrace the concept that health, wellness, fitness, and family come first – then the job. This is the only mentality that will ensure long-term success for corporate America. If you expect your employees to behave like machines, they will eventually break down. Frequent “tune ups” keep the human machine healthy and productive.
• Mental Health Days. Boy, have these gotten a bad rap. In fact, it’s a smart wellness choice to take a mental health day. We all need them every now and then. Don’t malign your employees for needing a day to get their lives back in balance. Encourage rest, rejuvenation, and relaxation whenever possible. Remember: Stress kills.
• Stress Reduction. What does your company do to instill peace of mind in your employees? Constant layoffs, pay cuts, shifting priorities, ongoing restructuring – these all add enormous amounts of stress to your human resources. Equanimity starts at the top. As much as possible, keep your company communications on an even keel. Panic and havoc only serve to make your workforce unwell. Stress management classes, coaching, employee assistance programs, and open-door policies are terrific ways to manage workplace stress. By the same token, if you have toxic employees whose behaviors, attitudes, and values are incongruent with your culture, either counsel them or assist them in moving outside of your organization. Once you establish a culture of wellness in your company, you simply cannot afford to jeopardize it.
• Healthy Fuel. If your company provides a cafeteria, snack bar, or vending machines, are these offering healthy choices or junk? Proper nutrition is a critical factor in employee productivity and “healthy fuel” will keep your workforce operating at peak performance. Let’s take a look at the typical vending machine: Cookies, candy bars, potato chips, chewing gum, crackers, and muffins are the norm. Unfortunately, these “non-foods” are comprised almost entirely of fat, sugar, and salt and provide virtually no nutrients or dietary fiber. Healthier vending machine alternatives include: nuts and seeds, naturally sweetened graham crackers, trail mix, fresh and dried fruit, carrot and celery sticks, fat-free popcorn, nonfat yogurt (preferably organic), 100% juice (unsweetened), pure water, snack-size canned tuna in water, and nonfat or 1% milk. Encourage your employees to consume lean protein, fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of water throughout the day to maintain blood sugar levels and proper hydration. Often, headaches, forgetfulness, crankiness, and fuzzy thinking are the result of dehydration – the brain needs adequate water in order to function properly. Make sure your employees have access to clean, pure water.
• The Power of Green. No, I’m not referring to money here. I am referring to plants. According to Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc., “Living plants create a peaceful atmosphere, improve the ambiance and air quality of indoor environments, and induce positive energy around them.” Bring plenty of live plants into your office and ask employees to care for them – watering and tending to plants is a terrific mini break and will keep your well place lush with soothing vegetation.
• Tranquil Sounds. It’s amazing how sound affects our mood. Just as a leaf blower blasting outside your window can set your nerves on edge, the peaceful sound of a desktop fountain, soft music, or sound machine can relax and de-stress even the most harried.
• Fresh Air. Recycled air in office buildings and enclosed work areas can be very unhealthy. If you have the option of opening windows, let the fresh air in! Otherwise, use air purifiers, natural deodorizers, or other natural aromatherapy scents to lift spirits and freshen the air. (Just be sure your employees aren’t sensitive or allergic!)
• Feng Shui. The ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui focuses on the energy of an environment to ensure comfort and success. It has become an increasingly popular and effective modality in residential and workplace transformation. According to Feng Shui expert, Barbara McNary, “In the workplace, Chi (or vital energy of all things) can be harmonized for success or ignored and allowed to run chaotic — usually ending in failure.  The work environment should support and reflect the hopes, dreams, goals. and intentions of the business, thereby carrying that energy into the conscious minds of all employees and clientele.”

In addition to placing furniture and artwork in key areas, Barbara offers these basic tips to start your Feng Shui program:

• • Begin with a good old-fashioned spring cleaning.
  • Freshen up every corner and desktop.
  • Throw away files that are no longer useful.
  • Organize storage areas so that they are pleasant spaces of their own.

Then, she says, take a look at safety within the environment.

• • Are there sharp corners in traffic areas?
  • Loose carpet or extension cords to trip over?
  • Unstable shelving?
  • Not only should you look for real threats of safety, but be aware of what the subconscious might consider threatening.
  • Floor to ceiling windows in a high-rise building might produce feelings about being unprotected or unsupported.
  • Spike-leaved plants may appear sharp and knife-like.
  • Whatever thoughts and feelings a person is added to the energy of the environment.
  • Remedy all safety hazards and another portion of stress is removed.

Other elements of Feng Shui that can contribute to wellness include proper and safe arrangement of office furniture, filing cabinets, and artwork. Symbols of nature, such as leaves, rocks, stone, shells, feathers, and wood help to bring the outdoors inside and create a sense of serenity.

• • Limit Radiation Exposure.  According to various government sources1, exposure to radiation causes what is called “electromagnetic chaos,” a symptom of our technology-driven society.  Radiation from computers, microwave ovens, cell phones, and basically any electronic item can be detrimental to the brain and overall health2.  Consider electromagnetic chaos eliminators for your workplace to mitigate the harmful effects of electromagnetic frequencies.  Also encourage your employees to purchase these items for their homes to ensure wellness both in – and out of – the office.

Finally, don’t underestimate the psychological impact of color in your business. Greens and blues create a sense of calm (ideal for a medical office reception area), whereas reds, oranges, and yellows are stimulating colors that might be perfect for your “war room” or other areas where you want to increase creativity and solution-oriented thinking.

Creating a wellness-focused workplace doesn’t have to be a costly or time-intensive project. Implementing a few simple initiatives will let your employees know you care about their health and productivity, and this goodwill will do wonders for your business. The bottom line: Wellness works!

Footnotes:

1. http://naturalsociety.com/radiation-unsafe-at-any-dose/
2. Mercola, Joseph. “How to Protect Yourself from Nuclear Radiation.” Mercola.com: Take Control of Your Health. Dr. Joseph Mercola, 25 02 2011. Web. 14 May 2011  <http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/25/how-to-protect-yourself-from-nuclear-radiation.aspx>

I volunteer as an HR and Recruiting Manager for a nonprofit organization that functions completely virtually. Before the COVID-19 outbreak this was already the reality for this organization that I work with. This organization works to create a comprehensive online resource database for LGBTQ individuals who are seeking asylum in the U.S. and Canada and need assistance to find legal aid, mental health help, and assistance with other basic needs. Because of the nature of this organization, it functions well in a completely virtual setting. Volunteers that help with the organization live all over the U.S. and Canada, and even in some other countries as well.
Once COVID-19 became our new normal, most businesses all over our country have had to adapt to this way of running an organization. Jobs that were once regular office jobs have suddenly become work-from-home. Along with this came the increased difficulty many organizations have begun to face of how to keep employees engaged in a remote setting?

Here are some things I have learned along the way in my position at a remote nonprofit:

     1. Communicate. This is really the most important factor to successfully engaging your team in a remote work setting. Checking in every day with each member of your team, not just for updates on their progress or work, or to notify them of changes or other news, but also to check in on how they are coping with the changes and coping with the pandemic in general, all makes a huge difference. Not only does communication help everyone to stay connected in a general sense, it also gives people a sense of security and reassurance (Bradley, 2020). When there is too much quiet, people start to wonder what is going on and it gives off a general sense of unease (Bradley, 2020).

     2. Encourage virtual social get togethers, to help replace the social moments that would have occurred in the work place when passing one another on the way to the bathroom or during breaks. These chance casual meetings are important for fostering creativity, innovation, engagement, and “cross-pollinating” talent (Crabtree, 2014). Encourage team members to check in on one other, maybe even assign checking-in buddies to keep tabs on one another’s well-being throughout the pandemic. I have found that it makes a huge difference in connectivity and engagement when I feel like I personally know my team members and can talk to them or reach out for help if needed. New members of a team or organization need this kind of help more than anyone else, as they are most at risk of feeling isolated to begin with.

The nonprofit I work with does monthly “coffee date” virtual chats where different members of the organization from different departments are assigned to a “coffee date” chat via a Zoom call, with the purpose of chatting socially and getting to know one another. After the meeting they introduce the other person to the rest of the organization via Slack, which is the app our organization uses to stay connected. They tell everyone what they have learned about the other person during their chat. This is a great method for keeping the organization connected across teams/departments.

     3. Encourage questions and learning. Create an environment where employees are supported and applauded for asking questions if they don’t understand something or need help. Celebrate this to make employees feel that asking questions is valued and important, because it should be. This isn’t just needed at the beginning of the process in switching to working remotely either. Even now at this point, where we have already been going through this pandemic for some time, employees and team members are still bound to have questions about the direction and future of the organization, or how to find new ways to adapt to processes that do not work anymore. Encourage these types of questions and allow for suggestions and ideas to flourish in response.

     4. Come up with an effective way to recognize employees virtually. There are several platforms that promote virtual employee recognition, including http://www.bucketlistrewards.com and https://bonus.ly/ (Eisenhauer, 2018). Do a little research and find a platform that works well with your organization’s goals and needs.

     5. Make it easier to work collaboratively by utilizing collaboration tools such as Asana, for project management. Finding a way to make it easier to share documents, assign tasks, and keep track of who is doing what and their progress, makes it easier for everyone to stay on the same page and stay engaged with their coworkers and the organization (Eisenhauer, 2018).

We don’t know how long this pandemic will last but it could be around for some time still and there are ways to make the remote working situation much better than it otherwise could be, for everyone. These tips are just some of the ways to keep employees engaged and on the same page so teams and organizations can continue to function and succeed during this time of uncertainty. Don’t be afraid to start a brainstorming session within your own organization to come up with more ideas that will be helpful for your organization specifically, as each organization is different and has different needs.

References:

1. Bradley, A. (2020). Maintaining engagement in a world of remote work. Public Finance, 5, 44–45.
2. Crabtree, S. (2014). Can People Collaborate Effectively While Working Remotely? Gallup Business Journal, 3.
3. Eisenhauer, L. (2018). Tech keeps remote workers engaged. Njbiz, 15.

If you’re contemplating a career change, you may be wondering what options and opportunities exist in today’s job market. The world is changing rapidly – and so are the hot career fields. The good news is that, as needs arise, exciting new professions are emerging to meet them in virtually every industry.

Here are my predictions for the hot careers of the next decade:

Health care. 

This is one field that will always provide long-term career opportunities and stability. Popular trends in health care include genomics, virology, public health, immunotherapy, medical research, “boutique” physician offices and minor emergency clinics, anti-aging centers, cosmetic surgery, and dermatology and medical spas.

Qualified people are also continually needed in these more traditional health care roles:

• Pharmacists
• Nurses, nurse practitioners and nursing assistants
• Medical assistants
• Physician assistants
• CT, MRI, radiology and ultrasound technologists
• Counseling and mental health professionals
• Long-term care professionals
• Career and life coaches

Because of rising health care costs around the world, many health care services are being delivered by alternative licensed providers, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Careers for these professionals abound in medical offices, urgent care clinics, emergency departments and especially in rural and outlying areas.

Food and Nutrition

More and more people are focusing on nutrition as preventive health care. Declining soil and water quality negatively impact the amount of nutrients found in foods (hence the word “fortified” on many grocery store packages). With the need for alternative, nutrient-rich foods, careers in research, agriculture, agribusiness, organic farming, home economics, holistic nutrition, dietetics, and nutritional supplements will be on the rise. 

Alternative therapies, including herbal remedies and dietary supplements, are becoming more popular and widely used. The Council for Responsible Nutrition reports that 77% of Americans currently take dietary supplements.1 Dietary supplement sales in the US alone are topping $32 billion2 and the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) market is estimated at $82.27 billion in 2020.3 As these industries continue to grow, the demand for qualified workers and practitioners will also increase.

Technology

While jobs in technology are plentiful, the industry is becoming more competitive. Take Google, for example. The company is well-known for its comprehensive (and sometimes exhausting) hiring practices. First, the company asks candidates to engage in self-reflection to determine their passions. Then they’re asked to create original résumés for each job to which they’re applying. If selected for consideration, candidates will complete personal assessments, virtual chats, one-on-one interviews, and in-depth interviews, as well as an actual project assignment where candidates demonstrate their skills.4

Today’s technology industry requires more than expert “geek” status; it now requires refined skills in the areas of interpersonal communication, team work, leadership, coaching, mentoring, and innovation. 

These technology areas are booming and in need of skilled professionals:

• Social / digital media 
• E-commerce
• 5G technology
• Cloud architecture
• Technology project management
• Artificial intelligence
• Videoconferencing
• Cybersecurity
• Computer-based communications

Business

The world of business is, at long last, recognizing the enormous value of human resources and diversity within organizations. Thus, I believe we will see a significant demand for professionals in the fields of organizational development, corporate anthropology, diversity and inclusion, industrial/organizational psychology, mentoring, employee education, change management, leadership development, wellness, and workplace spirituality.

Lewis (1948) and McLuhan (1962) both refer to our planet as a “global village.”5 McLuhan, specifically, coined this term to describe how the mass media “collapse the barriers of space and time,”6 enabling people from around the globe to interact simultaneously. Continual advancements in telecommunication, videoconferencing, online education, and remote work underscore the importance of global and cultural understanding, linguistics, protocol, and human behavior.

Environment

Environmental concerns have created a wealth of new careers, from alternative energy to ecotourism. Global warming, pollution, wildlife extinction, flooding, wildfires, and human health concerns are igniting a massive, worldwide effort toward sustainability and the preservation of natural resources. This will require a plethora of professionals with “green” skills, e.g. conservation, sustainability, and land/water/air/vegetation management. 

Government

Government careers are attractive to many because of their stability, employee benefits, vacation policies and other perks. In the government sector, I predict an increased demand for qualified professionals in the areas of health care and security.

Government-sponsored health care programs are almost always in need of health educators and medical providers, especially in outlying locales.

Careers in defense, international security, and counterterrorism are becoming more prolific, as evidenced by the many universities now offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in these once relatively obscure fields.

Design and Innovation

These brilliant, creative types improve and enhance the design of virtually everything, from furniture and coffee pots to automobiles, airplanes, computers, faucets, and telephones. We often don’t think about the ingenuity behind most of the products that we use, but the value of good design makes this a burgeoning and increasingly popular industry.

And, as the world population ages, there will be continued emphasis on designing products that are both ergonomic and senior-friendly.

Research

People and companies need information, and they need it fast. Data-minded individuals can find numerous opportunities as information brokers, consumer behavior researchers, futurists, trend analysts, forecasters, clinical research designers, bloggers, analysts, market research managers, and technical writers.

The world depends on the critical information obtained through ongoing research in every field. If you’re interested in conducting your own research, a PhD is a definite plus but, alternatively, you can align yourself with think tanks, independent researchers (as a research assistant), or universities. 

Nonprofit

As we age and mature, we often seek work that provides fulfillment on a deeper level and many people find that their altruistic and/or spiritual needs are met very well within service and charitable organizations. 

Popular careers in the nonprofit sector include:

• Fundraising
• Management
• Leadership development
• Technology
• Event planning
• Donor relations
• Grant writing
• Board of directors leadership
• Volunteer recruitment and management

Entrepreneurship.

The topic of entrepreneurship has become so widespread and, dare I say, over-studied in the US, that the term itself has become passé. This, however, is hardly deterring people from launching businesses at warp speed. In my own career counseling practice, for example, 94% of my clients express a desire to leave their traditional careers to start their own companies. This statistic has grown from 78% in 1989 when I started my practice, and I forecast that the trend will continue.

Paradoxically, I also predict that more people will seek at least short-term security in the traditionally stable government, health care, and education sectors. As we know, Covid-19 has had a dramatic impact on all of these sectors (and others), meaning that new opportunities – and brand new career fields – will continue to emerge as the world recovers.

When it comes to careers, most people value time freedom, independence, and financial security. In today’s proliferating career climate, it’s definitely possible to have it all.

Footnotes:

1. https://www.crnusa.org/newsroom/dietary-supplement-use-reaches-all-time-high#:~:text=77%20percent%20of%20U.S.%20adults%20take%20dietary%20supplements.&text=With%20respect%20to%20the%20types,in%20the%20past%20twelve%20months.
2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/235801/retail-sales-of-vitamins-and-nutritional-supplements-in-the-u
3. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/
4. https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/complementary-alternative-medicine-market
5. https://careers.google.com/how-we-hire/
6. https://www.marshallmcluhan.com/common-questions/
7. http://mediafieldsjournal.org/scale-marshall-mcluhan