The incredible benefits of employee wellness programs you can’t ignore!
A healthy workforce is the backbone of any organization, so organizations must take care of their people. Thus, organizations design employee wellness programs to address the physical and mental health of the employees and build a healthy workplace culture.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of employee wellness programs and discuss how you can implement them in your organization.
What is an employee wellness program?
Employee wellness programs are initiatives taken by employers to improve the physical and mental health of employees. The employer can either organize such programs or partner with a third-party provider to offer a variety of wellness programs, conducting health-related seminars, workshops, helpful resources, etc., that employees can use to improve their health holistically.
Benefits of the Employee Wellness Program
Employee wellness programs are not just a nice perk for employees to enjoy; they also have some significant benefits for the employer, which might not be visible at first glance.
Here’s how an effective employee wellness program can benefit employers and employees.
Boost productivity
A fit and healthy workforce is more productive than employees who have poor health. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, and sitting long hours at the work desk are some factors affecting employees' health. Conducting yoga sessions, offering fitness class subscriptions, and allowing break time are some ways employers can help employees stay healthy and thus improve productivity.
Reduce absenteeism
Workplaces that offer employee wellness programs see reduced absenteeism, as employees are healthy and experience less stress at work. When employee absenteeism is lower, productivity is improved.
Increase employee retention
High employee turnover not only affects the productivity of the employees but also impacts the revenue generation of the company. Investing in healthcare programs and a general wellness program for the employees can improve employee loyalty and make the employees feel valued, ultimately positively impacting employee turnover.
Better work-life balance
Work-life balance is a crucial aspect for every job aspirant. Data shows that 33% of employees who have a healthy work-life balance stay loyal to their employers, while companies can reduce turnover. Wellness programs can help achieve this balance and reduce turnover.
Save cost
Although this benefit might not be seen immediately, in the long term, employee wellness programs can save employers money. For example, Johnson and Johnson witnessed a cumulative savings of $250 million on healthcare costs from 2002 to 2008, with a return of $2.71 for every dollar spent, after they implemented their wellness program in 1995.
Reduce health risk
In addition, wellness programs help employees embrace healthy lifestyles, such as exercising, eating healthy, and avoiding substance abuse, which reduce their health risks. Low health risks also mean low healthcare costs for employers.
Facilitates bonding among colleagues
Wellness initiatives can also facilitate bonding between colleagues. When employees meet with each other in a non-work-related environment, they feel less stressed and interact well with each other. Think of Zumba sessions, eating lunch together, or participating in a sports team, which not only help the employees de-stress but are also healthy ways to promote bonding.
Example of an employee wellness program
If you’re wondering how to start an employee wellness program at your workplace, here are some examples from brands that have already done it well.
Nike’s wellness program
Being in the sportswear business, Nike has an impressive fitness centre at its headquarters for its employees. The centre boasts weight rooms, yoga studios, cross-training rooms, a basketball court, and a turf field. There’s also an Olympic-size pool and a rock climbing wall for employees to use.
Hotjar’s wellness program
Hotjar offers its employees the flexibility to work from home and 4000 euros to help them build their home offices. Offering flexibility and supporting it is a great way to improve an employee's mental and physical health.
Zappos’s wellness program
Like Nike, Zappos has an on-campus fitness centre for its employees. It also has a cool nap room.
Building employee wellness program with Manah
Are you ready to start an employee wellness program at your organization, too? Then, here’s Manah’s LEAP program to help you get started.
Manah’s LEAP program helps HR managers implement mental health programs for their employees. The program includes various tools and digital resources for employees and HR managers.
If you already have an EAP program, you can take it to the next level with the help of Manah’s ForeeverFreeEAP initiative and deliver unparalleled employee engagement.
Adopt Manah’s ACTS framework for a holistic mental well-being experience. Its AI-driven digital platform offers an extensive array of self-paced mental well-being opportunities for your employees.
Ready to give it a shot?
Get in touch today!
FAQ
What are the main benefits of implementing an employee wellness program?
Employee wellness programs can significantly boost productivity by promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs. They also enhance workplace culture by fostering employee camaraderie through group activities and wellness initiatives.
How can organizations get started with employee wellness programs?
Organizations can initiate wellness programs by assessing employee needs and partnering with providers like Manah, which offers tools and resources. Simple steps include organizing fitness classes, health seminars, and flexible work arrangements to promote physical and mental health among employees.
