Companies that invest in employee wellness programs see benefits in a variety of ways. They improve morale, reduce health care costs and increase productivity.
Boosting employee wellbeing is also important for companies that want to attract and retain quality employees. It helps them keep their employees satisfied and happy in the long term.
1. Increased productivity
Employees who engage in wellness programs tend to be more productive than employees who do not. A recent study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that workers who successfully changed their lifestyles and focused on healthcare gained 10.3 hours of extra productivity per person annually, compared to similar but non-participating employees.
A well-designed wellness program should be tailored to the needs and interests of employees. Employers should use employee surveys and interviews to understand what employees value most.
A good wellness program should also include activities that promote physical health, such as exercise and healthy eating. Providing opportunities for employees to socialize with other coworkers can also help combat workplace loneliness.
2. Reduced absenteeism
Wellness programs help employees make a conscious effort to improve their health. This helps reduce absenteeism due to chronic illness, stress, or physical injury.
Studies have shown that workplace wellness programs decrease absenteeism by 14-19%. This is especially true when the company offers flexible perks that allow workers to select services or reimbursements that best suit their personal needs.
Wellness programs also help boost team morale and make recruitment easier. A strong wellness program shows potential employees that the company cares about its people and values them as individuals. This makes turnover less of a problem and creates a stronger workforce for the company.
3. Increased employee engagement
Employees often feel more engaged when they have a sense of belonging and are valued. This is a huge boost to morale and can translate to increased productivity and quality work for the entire company.
Wellness programs encourage healthy habits that improve employees’ moods, attitudes and overall workplace behavior. These include healthy eating, exercise, adequate sleep and stress management.
Ideally, your wellness program will be an extension of your company’s culture and values, but this can take time. So, it’s important to be consistent in your messaging and keep the message fresh.
4. Reduced health care costs
Wellness programs are workplace health strategies that target behaviors that increase the risk of disease, reducing healthcare costs. They can include a variety of different activities, from education and counseling to exercise and nutritional support.
The results of these efforts can save organizations hundreds of thousands of dollars in the long run. For example, a recent Rand study analyzed data from a Fortune 100 employer and found that chronic illness management saved $3.78 for every dollar spent while lifestyle management resulted in savings equal to the amount invested.
Besides these hard savings, wellness programs can also lead to significant employee benefits. They can improve company culture, and increase morale. They can also reduce workers’ compensation and disability expenses.
5. Increased morale
A wellness program can increase morale in a number of ways. It can help employees feel that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
Low morale is often caused by a feeling of isolation and lack of support. Having a group-based wellness program can help create connections and promote a sense of camaraderie between employees.
Employees who feel valued and supported also feel more confident about tackling challenging work tasks.
While wellness programs may not seem like a big deal, they can have a significant impact on employees’ morale and productivity. They can improve the company’s reputation as a great place to work and increase employee loyalty by making employees feel valued and important.