Every company wants a team that is energized, focused, and ready to deliver their best work. If you are ‘every’ company, here is a harsh truth bomb for you. Long hours at desks and packed schedules can take a real toll on employees’ physical health.
Research shows that companies with structured physical wellness programs see up to a 28% reduction in sick days and a 26% cut in healthcare costs. It is not just about saving money. These programs help you create a ripple effect.
You can choose anything – fitness reimbursements, hosting group workouts, or even something as simple as ergonomic office setups. No effort goes unnoticed. In this blog, we tell you about the concrete benefits of employee physical wellness programs and some ideas you can bite on.
Effects of Employee Wellness Programs on Absenteeism
Since 1995, the number of Johnson & Johnson employees who smoke has decreased by more than two-thirds. The number of employees with high blood pressure or who don’t get enough exercise has also dropped by over half.
This is great news, but why should companies care? The reason lies in the benefits of workplace wellness programs. J&J estimates that their wellness programs have saved the company $250M in healthcare costs over the last decade.
Between 2002 to 2008, they actually got back $2.71 for every dollar spent on these programs (source). That is a live example if you were not convinced so far. But here is a list of all the benefits that you can reap from having such programs in your office:
- These programs can lower the company’s spending through employee health insurance by preventing chronic illnesses.
- Wellness programs reduce absenteeism by improving health leading to fewer sick days and reduced time off due to illness.
- Your company will benefit from the higher enthusiasm, energy, and efficiency that your employees bring to work.
- Through wellness programs, you can show employees you care about their well-being.
- Supporting employees in their healthcare struggles can boost their job satisfaction.
- Such initiatives reduce stress and anxiety at work to create a ripple effect.
- Wellness programs have group activities that give employees a sense of community.
- Companies investing in employee wellness are seen as attractive places to work by potential employees.
- Promoting a wellness culture paints a positive picture for the entire organization.
5 Good Employee Wellness Program Examples
By adding some fitness programs into the workplace, you can create a culture of health. These do not have to be too large initiatives. Even small but effective initiatives are noticed by employees. It can be as small as providing gym memberships.
It can also be conducting yoga classes or fitness challenges. The return on investment in any kind of wellness program is huge – fewer sick days, less absenteeism, and a happier work environment.
Employee Assistance Programs
Wellness is not just about physical health and companies have started acknowledging it lately. Mental well-being is just as important. This is why many companies have started covering mental health issues in their employee health insurance plans.
Assistance programs offer support for many such personal challenges that affect employees every day – substance abuse, stress, anxiety, depression, and so on. Employee assistance programs are beneficial as they can significantly contribute to employees feeling better and reducing stress at the workplace.
Gym Facility or Memberships
Physical activity is a core component of any company’s wellness programs. You can support your employees’ wellness efforts by offering gym memberships. That is a lot helpful for those who regularly go for gym workouts.
You can also have an on-site gym to make it easier for employees to prioritize their health. These resources will not only help your employees stay fit but also show that you care about your workforce.
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Group Wellness Retreats
Organizing group wellness retreats give them an opportunity to bond with their colleagues while focusing on their health. These could be group yoga classes or simply a hike up the mountain. Companies often choose weekend retreats focused on relaxation and stress reduction.
These kinds of activities are excellent chances to recharge and connect outside of the usual work setting. Group activities promote teamwork, mental relaxation, and physical well-being – hitting all goals together.
If your company is looking for such corporate wellness retreats, EducationNest can help you organize the perfect one. Being an experienced corporate training provider in India, they help corporate companies in their training efforts through expert-led programs.
Healthy Eating Programs
Eating habits are a huge part of wellness. If you look around your office, you will be surprised to see how commonly employees struggle with healthy eating during work hours. As an employer, you can consciously go for nutritious snack-and-meal options in your workplace.
Another good example of an employee wellness initiative is hosting a nutrition workshop. Encouraging better eating habits helps improve energy levels throughout the workday.
Community Service Activities
The act of helping others has been shown to greatly reduce stress and increase happiness. Yet, volunteering and giving back to the community is an underrated initiative many companies overlook. It offers more than just a chance to give back to the community as a company.
It is also great for employees’ well-being. Employers can organize community service days for corporate teams to volunteer to help employees feel their sense of fulfillment. Participating in community service helps build stronger relationships and improves morale too.
It also helps employees connect with causes they care about. They will be able to find new causes that interest them.
Conclusion
Employees who indulge in fitness programs tend to have stronger morale and experience less stress, not to forget get better sleep. All of these contribute to fewer sick days. A study found that 56% of employees engaged in wellness programs took fewer sick days.
There is a huge list of benefits that companies enjoy by having an employee wellness program in place. Hence, if you are thinking about planning that first wellness retreat for your employees, you totally should!
EducationNest can help you set up your wellness program. Being India’s top corporate training provider, they have helped hundreds of companies in their training efforts across a lot of departments through their expert-led courses.
