Employee wellness programs are one of the best ways for employers to promote a healthier and more productive workplace. But what exactly does that mean? Employees who feel good about themselves and have healthy habits outside work tend to be better overall workers. Not only will they be happier in their jobs, but they’ll also bring this positivity into the office with them—which benefits everyone.
Healthy employees are also less likely to need time off due to illness or injury, which can save employers money. In fact, companies that invest in employee wellness programs have been shown to have lower healthcare costs for their employees and lower turnover rates overall. Here are some of the best ways to promote employee wellness.
Health screenings and assessments
Health screenings and assessments are a great way to identify potential health issues in employees. This can be especially important for older people with medical conditions that may not be obvious. Companies should offer free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body mass index (BMI), as well as provide access to wellness clinics on-site if possible.
Complete health assessments addressing specialized concerns such as diabetes, cancer, and heart disease are also good. You could include mammography tests and prostate exams if your employees are older. This is because these screening tools can help detect cancer and other diseases early when it’s easier to treat. Some companies have also added genetic testing and screenings for Alzheimer’s disease, which can help employees get early treatment for these conditions.
Wellness or fitness centers
Some companies have created on-site health and fitness centers that offer free or discounted memberships to employees. These facilities can include gyms, pools, saunas, and other amenities to encourage people to stay active and healthy. Providing access to these facilities allows employees to take charge of their health by providing them with the tools they need to lead healthier lives. In some cases, employers may even offer subsidies for participation in these programs so that all employees have access.
Many companies have also allowed employees to use these facilities during their breaks, which has helped to encourage participation in them. By encouraging employees to get active and stay healthy, companies can improve productivity and reduce the number of sick days taken by their staff.
Healthy food options
Providing healthy food options at work can encourage employees to eat well and maintain a healthy weight. Many companies now offer healthful snacks and meals in their cafeterias or vending machines, which has helped many people to lose weight and stay fit. For example, one company providing cafeteria services for its employees recently began offering salads with fresh ingredients and sandwiches made with whole grains instead of refined flour.
Company cafeterias are also starting to cater to different ethnic and cultural preferences, offering vegetarian entrees and vegan options in their cafeterias, which has helped employees stay healthy while also satisfying their dietary restrictions. On the flip side, companies are also starting to limit their offering of sugary and caffeinated drinks, shifting to water, tea, and fruit juice instead. Some companies have even gone as far as to ban sodas from their cafeterias altogether.
Therapy services
An employee’s overall wellness isn’t just limited to what they eat and drink. Their mental health is just as important, and many companies are starting to offer therapy services for their employees. Companies like Walmart, GE, and Facebook offer mental health support services that include psychological counseling or therapy sessions.
As employee burnout becomes a common problem for companies, offering therapy services is becoming an increasingly popular way to help employees manage their stress and stay on top of their mental health. In a recent study, 42% of employees said they experienced burnout in the last year. This can lead to health problems like heart disease and even suicide. As more companies are offering therapy services, it’s likely that we’ll see an increase in mental health awareness and overall wellness.
In Summary
Employee wellness is affected by a myriad of factors. From the workplace environment to the employee’s personal life, there are many things that can impact your wellness and long-term health. Employers need to take a holistic approach to improve both physical and mental health.
Improved employee wellness has been proven to improve productivity, reduce sick leave and turnover rates, increase morale, and decrease costs. With this in mind, employers should take steps to ensure that their employees are provided with the resources they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle both at work and outside of it.
