Wellness Cuts In A Recession

Everything sucks right now. The layoffs continue , and its shocking to see wellness benefits are coming off the books too. According to?Lawson , Twillio which laid off 17% of its workforce, around 1500 employees wrote that the company will no longer provide its signature book and wellness benefits. It previously offered employees a $30 monthly?book allowance ?and a reimbursement for wellness expenses. Most notably, the company also rolled back its Twilio Recharge program, a perk that allowed employees to take a four-week paid sabbatical every three years.

Can we talk about the complete disregard for the plights of employees during these challenging times? Employers, this is not the time. You are checking your balance sheets and making layoff decisions, including cutting wellness benefits designed to support your employees through periods like this, one filled with uncertainty. May I submit to you that your employees - women, parents, caregivers, working families, and more - are similarly taking a closer look at their budgets and going woah, I can't afford this! Many have cut down on dates night, are augmenting their own childcare needs, and making concessions to make ends meet. In fact 73% of employees are living from paycheck to paycheck with no ability to cover a $400 emergency expense. Yet, this felt like the time for companies to slash wellness benefits?

This speaks volumes.

As my friend Eve Rodsky , Author & NYT Bestseller of Fair Play puts it,

Genuine question: do companies think their employees only need to be “well” in GOOD TIMES? Wouldn’t wellness be important during stressful down times??

In the print version of this article?Twilio ?Jeff Lawson ?says “Twilio is winding down certain perks including an employee allowance for books and wellness. The company is also sunsetting its Twilio Recharge program which allowed employees to apply for a month long paid sabbatical every three years.” Wouldn’t RECHARGING be important for those left behind NOW?

We have seen companies cut all cut perks like therapy, counseling, meal stipends, and some have gone as far as reducing their paid time off.

Workplaces shouldn't only matter when things are going well. We can design workplaces that feels supportive and inclusive at ALL times.

I am more than happy to support employers who are unsure what they need to do during this time to elevate the employee experience during uncertain times. I spoke about this with my wonderful friends??? Kim Rohrer ?of?Oyster? ?and?Caitlin Iseler ?of?Happyly ?on a panel yesterday about what companies can do during this climate to support employees and ensure their wellbeing at home and in the workplace.

At?MH WorkLife , our thesis have always began with care. We believe the quality of our work determines the quality of our lives, especially as the lines between work and life continues to blur. Talk to us about simplifying benefits and emergency savings for your employees.