Wellness is becoming more and more important to companies, not just because of the health benefits it brings but because a happy and healthy workforce is a key element in retaining employees.
A recent study by Towers Watson and the National Business Group on Health found that companies with successful wellness programs report significantly lower voluntary turnover rates than those with weak or no programs.
Workplace Wellness Programs
Workplace wellness programs aim to improve employee health and reduce healthcare costs by promoting lifestyle changes. They often involve a mix of physical and mental activities, such as gym memberships, smoking cessation incentives, and healthy snack choices.
These programs can be a great way to boost employee wellbeing, engagement, and job satisfaction. They also reduce stress levels and help employees to maintain a work-life balance.
In some cases, employees can even receive financial incentives for participating in the program. The idea is to encourage people to make healthier choices by offering a discount on health care or insurance premiums, as well as other rewards.
While workplace wellness programs are a popular way for employers to improve their employees’ overall health, there is little experimental evidence about the effects of these programs. In one randomized clinical trial, a multicomponent workplace wellness program offered by a warehouse retail company resulted in significantly greater rates of some positive health behaviors among exposed individuals compared with nonexposed workers, but did not generate significant differences on clinical measures of health, health care spending and utilization, or employment outcomes after 18 months.
Employee Assistance Programs
EAPs (employee assistance programs) are a great way to keep employees’ stress levels under control. These programs can help your staff deal with anxiety, depression, grief, crisis intervention, and behavioral health issues such as addiction or eating disorders.
Workplace wellness programs can also complement an EAP by offering virtual yoga sessions, meditation, and other preventative care. This ensures that your staff is getting the right help at the right time.
Employees can get expert advice on budgeting, achieving healthy spending habits, loan consolidation, debt repayment, and setting up an emergency fund. They can also receive counseling for personal challenges, including marriage, family, or preparing for a new child.
A good EAP will not only improve employee productivity but also reduce absenteeism. When employees are not stressed in the workplace, they can concentrate better and perform at their best. This results in lower turnover rates and fewer health claims. This is a win-win for employers and employees!
Health and Wellness Events
If you’re looking for ways to promote workplace wellness, one of the best options is to host a health and wellness event. They’re a great way to break down difficult health concepts using fun activities and interactive teaching.
For example, you could invite representatives from a local cancer screening center to speak at your company’s next employee fair. They can explain the importance of cancer screenings and how they can help prevent certain types of cancer.
Additionally, encourage your employees to get their flu or pneumonia vaccinations. Having these vaccinations will make them less likely to fall ill during the holidays.
Organize an onsite event that gives employees information about these types of shots, as well as the nurse hotline numbers for their insurance plans. This will allow them to get the help they need when it’s needed without having to miss any work.
Wellness Resources
Wellness encompasses a variety of components, from physical activity and healthy eating to sleep and mindfulness. These aspects of health are important for reducing stress, feeling good and having positive social interactions.
Investing in a comprehensive workplace wellness program can have a major impact on both employee health and the bottom line of your business. Workplace wellness programs are effective at enhancing and improving the health of employees, helping to decrease healthcare costs and increase productivity and engagement.
Whether it’s creating incentives for participants, offering health screenings or educating employees about smoking prevention, there are many ways employers can engage their workforce in the wellness process. By surveying employees, observing their interests and needs, and listening to their feedback, organizations can tailor offerings that will meet their goals.