Wellness Work Programs

Benefits of Wellness Work Programs

Wellness work programs can have a direct bearing on your company’s profitability. Health studies have found  that there is a comparable payoff in productivity when implementing wellness work programs. The studies showed that every dollar spent creating a healthier work environment reduces the companies absenteeism related costs by about $2.73 and medical costs fall about $3.27.

 

Companies starting wellness work programs want to support their workers well-being for three reasons.

The Human Aspect: even in the top C-Suite corporations the managing executives understand that investing in their employees health and wellness is a good practice and shows human interest.

Financial Pressures: leaders are under great pressure to rein in the tremendous health care costs. They are now more open to the studies and see how wellness programs can reduce costs.

Competitive Environment companies and insightful executives look for the competitive advantage. A healthy workplace represents total good health. Consequentially a lack of this type of workforce performance shows weakness. When a company establishes a culture of health as their top priority for success other business and top executives find this desirable. This makes it easier to hire quality employees and maintain business performance.

Implementing Wellness Work Programs

Let face it everyone wants to be healthy but finding the time or making time is one of the biggest obstacles. Often companies start to implement wellness work programs only to find out that their employees would rather play hard verses take care of their health. Going out for a company social gathering for dinner and drinks is the norm, not so much an after hour work detox party.

The best way to implement wellness work programs is to take time to meet with your staff and find out how they would like to improve the work environment. Often employers are surprised by how simple their requests are. Find out what would motivate them. Starting a wellness program that  fits your office and your employees takes a little bit of investigating.

Starting Wellness Work Programs

Creating a business culture around wellness starts right at the front door. Office environment is critical and dictates what type of people you will attract. Your employees that work for you should be valued and appreciate, isn’t that why you hired them in the first place?

To start a wellness work program the best thing to do is make sure the work place is clean and stocked well with the daily needs. Running out of toilet paper, paper towels, etc., shows that the company is too busy to take care of their staff.

It may be an additional cost but having good drinking water and healthy snacks around the office makes a difference. If you are a small company and not able to afford the cost, start a company pool to chip in, but make sure that you support the cause by stocking these items.

Office air quality is important. Being too hot or cold is taxing and lowers work productivity. Noise is also an issue as well as whispering, it grates on a person mentally. Create a space in your office environment where people can make noise or have a private moment.

Better food (snacks) and exercise is always a challenge in a workplace. Asking is the best approach. Offering wellness work programs can back fire if you are not aware of what your employees are thinking or need.

Wellness Work Program Incentives

The program you create should have rewards and incentives. This should not be thought of as a quick fix or a short-term program. In order to change or shift behaviors it will take your attention and participation.

People love incentives and your employees are no different, as a matter of fact they can be your best fans. Creating rewards for healthy achievements is an inspirational way to encourage your staff to adapt to the changes. Just about anyone loves a good massage, or a day off for good behavior.

Enjoying a productive, healthier work environment is a good plan to put in place. Think it through, set standards and take care of your most valuable assets, your employees.