Healthy employees equal happy employees, and implementing a workplace wellness program is an effective way to create an overall healthy work environment. Currently, 82 percent of the workforce is participating in a wellness program. Additionally, executives reported a 66 percent increase in productivity after implementing their wellness initiatives. Workplace wellness programs are not only effective for improving the lives of employees, but also help generate a healthy bottom line.
A wellness program should encompass a focus on financial, emotional, professional, and physical health. How can businesses develop a wellness initiative that clearly supports these points? We’ve shared three keys to developing an engaging wellness program that pushes employees to rally for their own health.
Develop engaging and conscious content
When creating a wellness program, it’s important for company leadership to consider and value employee perspective. This is especially true for wellness initiatives that look to instill confidence in their workforce. To help your employees feel confident about joining a health-driven program, stop to consider the connotation of words used in promotional materials. For example, use words like ‘weight management’ instead of ‘weight loss’ and consider ‘counseling’ as opposed to ‘therapy.’ These terms are much more inviting and will likely be received by the entire organization in a more positive way.
Make wellness part of your company culture
Taking a holistic and long-term approach to your wellness program will increase the likelihood of participation. When the entire workplace is focused on living a healthy lifestyle, it’s easier for employees to jump on board with the wellness program. For example, provide healthy snacks in the break room, encourage regular and appropriate breaks, offer an on-site gym and furthermore, provide an employee assistance program (EAP). EAPs are key to helping employees get support when they are in a difficult situation, emotionally or physically. Focusing on mental health alongside physical health will provide more comprehensive options for your entire workplace.
Personalize the wellness connection for your employees
Every employee is different — whether it be male compared to female, or young compared to old, each employee has unique needs. In the case of wellness programs, most male employees are typically more concerned with fitness and financial wellness, while women want health screenings and access to EAPs. Age also plays a role: Millennials lean toward fitness coaching and their Baby Boomer counterparts often care more about personal wellness reports. Create a program that focuses on the overall health of the individual and gives options for how they want to improve it, while also providing incentives to reward success. This will ultimately help you better bridge this gap and drive a competitive — but positive and inclusive — spirit.
Want to learn more about how to create a positive and healthy environment for your employees? Check out the WorkSmart blog!
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