A wellness program in a workplace is a great way to reduce health care costs, help employees avoid high risk conditions, and promote employee engagement. When a company offers a well-planned wellness program, employees are encouraged to make healthy choices in their daily lives.
Engaged employees make healthier decisions
Employee engagement is the commitment to a job, organization, or group that includes mutual respect, appreciation, and freedom to give constructive feedback. Engaged employees are motivated, focused, and trustful. They show up with a bounce in their step and care about the job they do.
A workplace wellness program helps engaged employees make healthier decisions. The result is more productivity, happier employees, and a healthier bottom line.
Several studies have shown that workplace engagement can positively impact the physical and mental health of workers. In addition, engaged employees are less likely to suffer from chronic disease, safety incidents, and other health issues. These benefits make workplace wellness programs an important touchpoint.
Having a healthy workforce is the secret to successful business. But the challenge is getting employees to buy into the program. To engage employees, organizations should provide incentives and rewards for participation.
Reduce stress, fatigue, anxiety, and other conditions
There are numerous ways to reduce stress, fatigue, and anxiety at the office. This includes encouraging employees to take advantage of an employee assistance program, or EAP. A proactive HR department can also help to lower employee absenteeism and raise awareness of mental health issues.
An employee assistance program may offer resources like a counselor, online information, or a physical space where employees can get away from the stress of their day. However, this is not a guarantee.
The most effective programs are ones that address both physical and psychological health issues. One such program, In Tune: Take Charge Of Your Stress, a WELCOA initiative, is designed to provide employees with tools and resources to promote good mental and physical health.
Employee wellness programs can also be a useful way to engage employees in the company’s culture. A wellness program can also help employees become more productive and less susceptible to work related stress. Similarly, a wellness plan can encourage employees to take part in a variety of fun and educational activities.
Reduce health care costs
Workplace wellness programs can significantly reduce health care costs for employers and employees alike. Employees who participate are offered access to on-site fitness programs, subsidy for gym memberships, and paid time off for medical appointments.
A workplace wellness program can increase employee engagement and boost productivity. It also increases morale and upholds work ethics.
In order to develop an effective wellness program, companies will need to spend a significant amount of time and resources. They should also hire a dedicated champion to coordinate program activities.
To start the program, employers will need to assess their workers’ health risks. Typically, these assessments will ask about lifestyle habits, such as smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol. These factors are used to determine which employees are most likely to have high risk conditions. Those who show higher levels of risk will receive free counseling to help them adopt healthier habits.
Help avoid high-risk diseases
It’s no secret that the average American works at least 40 hours a week if not more. Thankfully, most employers are savvy enough to hire smart folks who know how to save a few bucks on the healthcare front. This is where a top notch health and safety program can make all the difference. Some companies even have a team of experts on call to answer any questions. A good place to start is with a pre-employment health assessment. Fortunately, these are just the first steps in a long road to health and wellness. From a holistic view, the key to a happy and healthy workforce is to provide the appropriate education, training, and incentives to help them get the most out of their careers. In the end, this will lead to a more productive and happier employee which in turn leads to a better bottom line for everyone involved.
Integrate wellness programs into established company policies
Corporate wellness programs can reduce the risk of chronic disease and help employees maintain their physical and mental health. These programs can also reduce employee absenteeism due to unplanned illness.
To create effective corporate wellness programs, employers must take a holistic approach to employee health. This can mean offering benefits, such as paid time off, in addition to wellness incentives.
While workplace wellness programs can benefit some employees, they can also have significant privacy and other implications. If an employer collects personal medical information, it can be used to discriminate against employees. It can also facilitate stigma.
A balanced approach to employee health can produce economic gains for employers. Companies can offer innovative health and fitness ideas to encourage physical activity, and incorporate a healthy diet into their policies.