Given the circumstances that came with 2020, it is now more important than ever to have a culture that supports employee health and wellness within your business. Whether it be an initiative to provide resources to employees that seek to improve wellness and quality of life, or coordinating efforts to promote, encourage, and actively participate in health and wellness activities, companies who do not stress the importance of health in our everyday lives are doing their employees and themselves a disservice.
If you have second thoughts about the cost associated with a corporate wellness program for your business, consider the direct correlation between people who focus on their health and wellness and high productivity in the workplace. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness programs can help increase employee engagement. Companies with engaged employees report 37% lower absenteeism levels, up to 65% lower employee turnover, 10% higher customer satisfaction; 21% higher productivity, and 22% higher profitability. While it may look like a “cost”, it will surely be worth the investment to your business and your employees in the long run.
“
“Focusing on health and wellness helps individuals develop healthy lifestyles, effective behaviors, and supportive attitudes instead of focusing only on pain, disability, or symptoms as indicators of health”
– Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (link to article)
“
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” Not only does “health” consist of good eating habits, physical activity, and sleep; it also means having a good work-life balance. Allowing employees to socialize and participate with coworkers outside of the office, through a wellness program, will build rapport and camaraderie in the office.
The world is changing. Many companies are transitioning to a remote work environment. While some people are still “going to the office”, the workplace will never be the same considering the COVID-19 safety precautions most businesses have to abide by. In conclusion, Health and Wellness plans are more important than ever in the workplace today. If you aren’t actively encouraging employees and providing opportunities for them to focus on their quality of life, it may be time to take the jump and make a change.
