Employee wellness impacts more than just medical costs; a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. The vast majority of healthcare spending is actually caused by preventable and modifiable health risks. Unhealthy lifestyle choices often lead to chronic diseases, costing businesses more than one trillion dollars in lost productivity alone. Promoting healthier behaviors pays off for businesses, making employee wellness in the workplace a must.
Although many different types of wellness programs exist, the mission should remain the same throughout: address the specific needs for the workforce while maximizing engagement and participation. Although changing behaviors is largely dependent upon the individual, employers have a tremendous opportunity to help their employees see the value of adopting healthier behaviors to live healthier lives through a supportive workplace culture.
Smoking cessation programs, complimentary flu shots, and gym memberships are all excellent examples of incentives business owners can offer their employees to help promote wellness. While some businesses opt for comprehensive wellness programs, others have saved money while still increasing productivity by establishing just a few simple activities, such as tracking steps or other fitness competitions between co-workers. The important part is to commit to whatever wellness program you choose for your organization.
As with anything, wellness programs present organizations with a set of challenges. Success is largely dependent on factors outside employers’ control, such as employee adoption and maintenance of healthy behaviors, not contracting chronic diseases, and staying with the company. To reap the benefits of a wellness program, employers must maximize employee buy-in and participation. While there are risks associated with wellness programs, there are many advantages of implementing one in your organization, including:
- Attract the most talented candidates
- Minimize the number of sick days used
- Improve productivity
- Reduce turnover rate
- Lower healthcare costs
Employee wellness programs should be viewed as investments in your company’s most important assets: your employees! Statistics prove that employees are more likely to be on the job and performing well when they are in optimal health. If you would like more information on adopting employee wellness programs in the workplace, contact Staffers today!
