As summer comes to an end and fall begins, employees with school-age children may have increased caretaking responsibilities as their kids begin a new academic year. In addition to other day-to-day challenges, parents are now dealing with school pick-up and drop-off, unexpected sick days and other occurrences that could affect their work-life balance.

Work environments can significantly impact the mental health of employees. In fact, research by the American Psychological Association found that 2 in 5 employees report that work negatively affects their mental health. Workers’ poor mental health can, in turn, negatively impact employee communication, performance, morale and productivity. According to a recent report by Mental Health America, employees in mentally unhealthy workplaces were also more likely to leave their jobs.

Employees face not only the ever-changing demands of their professional lives but also the constant challenges of managing their personal finances. In fact, a 2023 survey by professional services network PwC revealed that 57% of full-time employees say finances are the top cause of stress in their lives. The increasing cost of living, unexpected expenses, medical debt and economic uncertainties take a toll on employees’ well-being, impacting their overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Wildfire season is getting worse, starting earlier and lasting longer. Wildfires are a part of nature’s ecosystem, but when extreme, they can be devastating to people, biodiversity and ecosystems, according to the United Nations Environment Programme. Notably, wildfires can directly impact the health and safety of millions. And, while U.S. wildfires are most common in western states, all regions should prepare for such threats, as wildfires’ impact extends beyond the immediate threat to individuals and communities.

Many workers are paying greater attention to their benefits and wondering how to stretch their dollars further. While many employers are familiar with health savings accounts (HSAs) and flexible spending accounts (FSAs), lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs) are an emerging benefit that can provide flexible and personalized support to employees.

A new report from The Workforce Institute at UKG revealed that managers impact employee mental health more than doctors and therapists. The study conducted for the report surveyed 3,400 people in 10 countries, including the United States, to explore mental health in and outside work.

The labor market was a roller coaster in 2022 and will undoubtedly continue to evolve this year. It remains to be seen how the employment market will level out. Still, it’s a safe bet that employers will be challenged as they compete for top talent. Labor metrics indicate that even though the market has slightly improved from last year, it’s still a tight labor market as numbers remain historically high.