Why Every Business Needs an Employee Wellness Plan

People spend more time at work than anywhere else, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is a difficult task best confronted by both the employee and the employer. For many, the workplace has become a stressful environment as we struggle to do more with less. Implementing an employee wellness program promotes the health of the employees and the organization alike, and can have a positive impact on your bottom line in terms of increased productivity and decreased healthcare, absentee, and turnover costs.

Top 3 Employee Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs:

• Improved work-life balance and more productive use of time, both in and out of the office
• Increased employee morale and sense of belonging to the organization
• Reduced rates of illness and injury, such as a lower back pain, diabetes, or heart conditions related to poor health habits and chronic stress

Top 3 Employer Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs:

• Reduced healthcare costs with employees relying less on disability insurance, sick leave, and hospital visits
• Energetic employees who are able to produce a greater volume and higher quality of work
• Improved retention of key employees, resulting in decreased costs

Top 3 Ways to Instantly Promote Workplace Wellness:

• Emphasize education through breaktime seminars on preventive care and lifestyle modification.
• Offer healthful snacking options in the office, such as fresh fruit baskets or a snack machine stocked with healthful foods like mixed nuts, granola bars, or pretzels.
• Encourage employees to reduce chronic stress by allowing for regularly scheduled breaks to take a walk, chat with coworkers, or play a game in the break room.

It's easy to see that the benefits of implementing a wellness program within your own office reach far beyond increasing your bottom line. Employees participating in workplace wellness programs report having more energy and an increased sense of camaraderie with coworkers, viewing their peers as part of their support system.

Overall, they are healthier, happier, and better able to focus their time and energy on getting the job done.