Although remote work has helped many employees achieve a better work-life balance, video meeting fatigue and longer workdays have also taken their toll.

A McKinsey survey of attitudes to post-pandemic work found that many employees now fear their work-life balance will suffer. Mental health is now a top priority and employee expectations that companies will support their wellbeing are growing.

“People’s priorities and their perceptions of work have changed, and companies now face new challenges in employee engagement,” says Guzman de Yarza Blache, Head of EMEA Workplace Strategy at JLL. “Companies need to manage the workforce differently, and a strong wellness program is critical. Without energy, productivity falls and it can impact talent retention.”

Companies are taking note; common measures include making flexible hours that employees enjoyed with remote work a more permanent feature, along with providing more support for mental health issues such as stress, anxiety and depression, which often are hidden.

For example, consulting firm EY offers free therapy sessions to staff and their family, while meditation app Calm gives employees a wellness stipend to spend on things including gym memberships, therapy and nutrition.

Managerial training to handle mental health issues is also helping to build a culture of trust where employees feel confident in expressing problems and receiving help. 

“The role of managers is key in making sure people feel they can take the time they need for self-care and wellbeing, which is crucial for their energy,” says Pradère.

Elsewhere, other HR-driven initiatives are helping people to build new connections with colleagues. A renewed focus on mentorship programs and teambuilding activities can develop valuable workplace relationships that many employees felt were negatively impacted by remote work, while specialised onboarding for people who were hired during the pandemic is helping them feel part of the team.

“These kinds of engineered social connections are essential – it helps recreate those water cooler moments where people spontaneously meet and chat, increasing their engagement with colleagues and the company culture,” says Yarza Blache.