Wellness programs are a great way to promote healthy behavior and reduce the risk of developing health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease.
A good workplace wellness program will have a positive impact on the wellbeing of your employees and the business as a whole. Let’s take a look at 5 of the top reasons why you should consider starting one today!
1. Reduced Absenteeism
Absenteeism is one of the major problems that many companies have today. It costs the company a significant amount of money and can lead to a decline in morale.
However, there are ways to reduce absenteeism and make sure that your employees are able to come back on time. The key is to understand the types of absences that are happening in your workplace and figure out how to eliminate them.
Wellness programs can help to decrease absenteeism by promoting healthy habits, such as regular exercise, eating right, and getting enough sleep. These activities also foster bonding between coworkers, which can improve productivity and job satisfaction.
2. Increased Productivity
Employees who are healthy are more rested, energized and motivated to complete their tasks. They are also less likely to have long-term illness or injury.
Workplace wellness programs have been shown to significantly increase productivity, which can lead to more sales and profits for your company. In fact, a study from the University of California Riverside found that employees who participate in a wellness program improved their productivity by an average of one full day per month.
Another benefit of workplace wellness is that it can boost teamwork and improve communication among colleagues. When employees take part in physical fitness activities with their coworkers, they encourage one another to achieve their goals and hold each other accountable for their progress. This improves teamwork and increases morale, which can help your business succeed.
3. Reduced Health Care Costs
The cost of health care has become a major concern for many employers. It is essential to have a competitive employee wellness program that reduces health care costs while improving the overall wellness of your employees.
Employers can decrease monthly health insurance premiums by focusing on prevention and encouraging employees to adopt healthier lifestyle habits. This can significantly reduce the total amount that an employer must spend on healthcare.
Workplace wellness programs can also reduce employee absenteeism and boost morale. These benefits are worth the investment as they will help to attract and retain quality employees who can do their best work while enjoying a healthy lifestyle.
4. Increased Job Satisfaction
As the world moves into a more wellness-focused culture, employees are looking for employers who focus on their health. This is especially true for millennials and Gen Z workers who are increasingly seeking workplaces that cater to their holistic, health-focused lifestyles.
Employees who have a healthy work environment are more likely to stay with their companies for longer periods of time and perform better. They also tend to attract the best and most qualified candidates.
This is because wellness at work improves employee mental health and overall wellbeing. It is also associated with increased levels of work productivity, and it is known to reduce stress.
5. Increased Employee Engagement
Employee engagement is a critical part of the success of any wellness program. It requires frequent and consistent communication about the program and its goals, as well as a commitment to the overall messaging of the initiative.
Workplace wellness can create an environment where employees are excited to turn up to work and do their best for the company, which can improve financial results, retention rates and employee morale.
To help build an engaged culture, HR professionals should take feedback from employees on their needs and interests. This can be done through surveys, interviews or focus groups. It allows them to customize the programs that meet the unique needs of their employees. It also helps them tailor the incentives that will motivate employees to participate.