After the pandemic, employees began to prioritize well-being and holistic health. Their choices about where they prefer to work reflect those priorities. People are more likely now to choose workplaces that also value their well-being, both mental and physical. As employees’ values shift, employers must also pivot to accommodate this trend.
Employee health programs are now found in many organizations. A 2019 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that 84% of companies with 200+ workers offered a workplace wellness program of some kind.¹ This goes beyond just catering to employee preferences – it translates to productivity gains which can propel your business forward.
So how does prioritizing employee wellness bring business performance to new heights?
How Employee Health Affects Work Performance
Studies consistently find that employees who stay healthy usually do better at their jobs. On the other hand, those with poor physical and mental health often struggle to get their work done efficiently.
For example, a study by the World Economic Forum and Harvard School of Public Health discovered that worldwide, people with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression are typically 5 to 10 percent less effective at their work.² This shows that mental health problems can really affect how well someone works.
Meanwhile, another study published in 2018 found evidence that corporate wellness has a significant impact on employees.³ Specifically, their data showed a 10 percent increase in productivity for professionals who actively improved their health.
Benefits of Employee Health Programs
With all the available information, the link between well-being and productivity is undeniable. As an employer, this can serve as the key to improving performance within your workforce. Moreover, it can provide other benefits such as:
Enhanced Job Satisfaction
Providing your people with opportunities to prioritize their health can make them feel valued within your company. This can translate to appreciation for both their employer and their role. It can also boost their satisfaction with their current job and responsibilities.
Lower Absenteeism
Wellness programs like preventive health measures can help employees be knowledgeable about their current state. With the proper resources, they can catch health issues early and solve them before they get worse. This reduces the need for short and long-term sick leave.
Improved Performance
Employees have the tendency to perform better when they are physically and mentally fit. This is because regular physical activity increases their stamina and energy levels. Mental clarity improves different aspects like focus and cognitive functions.
Positive Work Environment
Other than personal wellness programs, group wellness activities can be beneficial to your business. They can create a more cohesive work environment since group challenges and teamwork-building activities enhance employee relationships. Ultimately, this can lead to a more inclusive space for all.
Increased Retention Rates
When deciding between a company that prioritizes employee health and a business that focuses entirely on KPIs, employees are more likely to appreciate the former. Combined with other benefits, this can lead to higher retention rates and positive employer branding in the market. This is proof that wellness programs can offer so much value to your business.
Read More: 5 Reasons Why You Should Prioritize Employee Wellness and Well-Being
Well-Being Initiatives to Consider
According to a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, comprehensive wellness programs can significantly improve productivity. In fact, they have the potential to result in an annual productivity gain of around 2,860 dollars for each employee.³
With all the benefits you can enjoy, it’s best to consider implementing well-being initiatives in your own company. Some examples of wellness programs you can provide are:
1. Mental Health Support
An employee’s performance can be greatly affected by his or her mental state. This is why it’s necessary to pay as much attention to mental health as you would to physical wellness.
When you provide tools and resources that can support your people, you can help them reduce the stress they feel on a daily basis. It can also improve their resilience against mistakes and challenges that are common with their roles.
By offering mental wellness programs, you’re creating an environment where your people can feel safe processing their emotions and seeking the help they need from the right professionals. This can also improve their satisfaction and loyalty to working within your organization.
Read More: Agent Support – 5 Strategies for Call Center Leaders to Combat Burnout
2. In-Office Facilities
Even if employees want to improve their own physical well-being, it can be difficult without the right resources. It may be beneficial to consider offering in-office facilities such as fitness rooms and relaxation spaces.
On-site fitness amenities would help endorse holistic employee wellness. They can provide easy access to health and wellness resources during breaks or after work hours. Moreover, they give your people the chance to perform physical activity or much-needed meditation regardless of how busy their schedules are.
You don’t need a large budget for this employee wellness program. You can choose to set up simple rooms onsite or partner with local fitness centers for employee discounts. The most important thing isn’t the amount of equipment you can secure but rather the space you can provide your people to focus on their health during free time.
3. Healthy Food Options
Workplace wellness programs go beyond exercise and meditation. Your people’s health is also greatly affected by their diet and food choices. Depending on the role, employees are generally too busy to actively prepare healthy lunches. This leads them to unhealthy options that are faster to purchase, prepare, and consume.
To help your people stay healthy, you can opt to provide nutritious food choices in your cafeterias. Healthy snacks, complete meals, and nutritious beverages are options you can provide to boost both their health and energy levels.
4. Preventive Care Programs
Rather than focusing solely on solutions, you can also include employee wellness programs that prioritize prevention over cure. These usually include proactive measures to check for problems that may lead to more serious health concerns in the future.
For example, you can offer free regular health screenings for your people. This will raise their awareness of their current health status and teach them how to maintain themselves physically.
You might also prefer to give your employees access to vaccination clinics for important shots and vaccinations.
Another important part of this program is to push for health education. Conduct workshops on health-related topics such as stress management and industry-related health risks. Remember that the goal is to help your people make informed decisions about their own health and well-being.
The Importance of Organizational Support
It’s important for employee well-being to have the full support of the company’s leadership. This includes:
Setting the Tone. An organization’s leaders are the primary models that set the tone for acceptance and propagation of the company’s employee health programs and wellness opportunities. If the leaders are taking part in them, the employees will also be encouraged to make use of these programs.
Resource Allocation. Employers are responsible for ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to the wellness programs. It is possible for a company to have a health program that is not effective or doesn’t cater to all. This leads to a waste of resources, planning, and personnel.
Communication and Awareness. It also falls to an organization’s leaders to spread the word and make sure your people are properly informed of the available wellness and health programs. Some ways you could do this are regular communication on work channels.
Feedback and Improvement. As a manager or leader, keep track of whether wellness programs are achieving their goals by asking employees for feedback. You can do this through surveys, group discussions, or individual chats.
ENSURE WORKSITE WELLNESS WITH THE RIGHT EXPERTS
Beyond employee wellness programs, your organization needs experts who will drive employee health and worksite wellness. If you’re looking for the right people to lead your health programs, we’re the best partner for you.
Masis Staffing is dedicated to making expert matches. We aim to meet the unique needs of our clients by connecting them with experienced professionals.
We believe in the power of people. Contact us today to learn how to harness your workforce’s potential.
References:
- Kaiser Family Foundation, “2019 Employer Health Benefits,” Section 12: Health and Wellness Programs, 25 Sep 2019, https://www.kff.org/report-section/ehbs-2019-section-12-health-and-wellness-programs/
- Banerjee, Srabani. “How Employee Wellness Programs Impact Workplace Productivity.” M Lifestyle, 30 Nov 2023, www.onmanorama.com/lifestyle/health/2023/11/30/employee-wellness-programs-impact-workplace-productivity.html.
- Gubler et al. “Doing Well by Making Well: The Impact of Corporate Wellness Programs on Employee Productivity.” ResearchGate, 30 Jun. 2018, www.researchgate.net/publication/305430407_Doing_Well_by_Making_Well_The_Impact_of_Corporate_Wellness_Programs_on_Employee_Productivity.
