17 Key Benefits of Employee Wellness Programs for Thriving Teams

Sitting at a desk all day has consequences. It’s bad for your employees’ physical health, emotional well-being, and productivity. The longer they sit, the greater these problems become. Employee wellness programs can help mitigate such challenges by encouraging healthier habits and enhancing mobility. This article explores employee wellness programs' benefits and how to successfully implement them to create a healthier, seated stretches, more engaged workforce that’s better equipped to handle the demands of desk work.

Pliability’s mobility app is a valuable tool for achieving these objectives. The app makes it easy to enhance employee wellness programs that focus on improving the mobility of your workforce.

What is an Employee Wellness Program & What Makes One Effective?

Employee wellness programs promote:

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• Physical
• Mental
• Emotional

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Well-being among employees. They can take many forms, such as:

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• Fitness classes
• Health screenings
• Healthy food options
• Stress management workshops

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The goal is to create a workplace environment that supports and encourages healthy lifestyle choices. Successful companies tend to follow employee wellness programs for several reasons. 

Happy and healthy employees are primarily more productive and engaged in their work. Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be motivated and committed to achieving their goals. 

Let’s Imagine: An employee, Sarah, who works long hours and has a high-stress job. She struggles to find time to exercise and eat healthy meals, often relying on fast food and sugary snacks to get through the day. As a result, Sarah feels tired, anxious, and burnt out. Now, imagine that Sarah's organization offers her an employee wellness program with yoga classes and healthy food options in the cafeteria. 

Sarah started attending yoga classes twice a week and making healthier food choices. She finds she has more energy, feels less stressed, and can better focus on her work. She also enjoys connecting with her colleagues in a different setting, fostering community and support in the workplace. Sarah will contribute more to her role, be willing to go that extra mile to achieve goals and stay for a long time. 

Benefits Of Employee Wellness Programs For Business Success

Employee wellness programs promote well-being, increase productivity, attract and retain top talent, and create a positive company culture. Whether offering healthy food options, hosting fitness classes, or providing mental health support, investing in employee wellness is an investment in your business's success; every single effort counts! 

What Makes Workplace Wellness Programs Effective?

Employee wellness programs have become increasingly popular as companies 

recognize the benefits of investing in their employees' health and well-being. However, not all employee wellness programs are created equal. Several key factors contribute to the effectiveness of a wellness program: 

Employee Engagement Is Key

Employee engagement is critical to the success of any wellness program. When employees are engaged and motivated to participate, they are more likely to make positive changes to their health and well-being. Employers can encourage engagement by offering incentives, creating a supportive culture, and communicating the program's benefits. 

Clear Goals Help Employees Focus 

Employee wellness programs should have clear goals aligned with the company's objectives. These include reducing healthcare costs, improving employee productivity, or enhancing the company's reputation as a socially responsible employer. 

Employees who understand the program's goals are likelier to buy into it and actively participate. 

Resources Provide Support For Change

Wellness programs that provide employees with the necessary resources to make positive changes are more likely to be effective. These could include access to healthy food options, fitness classes, or mental health services. Employers should also give employees the time and flexibility to participate in the program. 

Management Support Boosts Participation 

Management support is crucial to the success of a wellness program. When managers actively support the program, employees are more likely to participate and feel valued. Managers can also lead by example by participating in the program and encouraging their teams to do the same. 

Customization Improves Relevance

Every workplace is unique, and employee wellness programs should be tailored to the employees' specific needs. This could include offering different programs for different departments or incorporating cultural considerations. 

Customization can help ensure the program is relevant and engaging for all employees. By considering these factors, employers can create effective wellness programs that benefit the company and its employees. 

What Are the Goals of an Employee Wellness Program? 

Employee wellness programs improve employees' overall well-being, enhance productivity, and create a positive work environment. To ensure the effectiveness of these programs, organizations often establish specific goals that guide their initiatives. 

By setting clear objectives, employers can align their wellness efforts with the needs of their workforce and achieve meaningful outcomes. 

Enhance Physical Health

One of the primary goals of an employee wellness program is to promote physical health and well-being among employees. By encouraging employees to adopt healthier lifestyle habits, organizations aim to reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases, lower healthcare costs, and improve overall employee health outcomes. 

Support Mental And Emotional Wellness 

Another important goal of employee wellness programs is to address mental and emotional health concerns. Initiatives may focus on:

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• Stress management
• Mindfulness practices
• Providing access to counseling services
• Promoting work-life balance

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By prioritizing mental and emotional wellness, organizations aim to reduce stress levels, enhance resilience, and create a supportive work environment where employees feel valued and supported. 

Foster Employee Engagement And Morale 

Employee wellness programs also aim to foster higher levels of employee engagement and morale. Initiatives include promoting team-building activities, recognizing employee achievements, and providing opportunities for social interaction.

 By investing in employee well-being and creating a positive work culture, organizations can boost morale, increase job satisfaction, and foster a sense of belonging among employees. 

Improve Organizational Performance 

The overarching goal of an employee wellness program is to improve organizational performance. By promoting health and well-being, organizations can experience increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and higher employee retention rates. A healthier, more engaged workforce can contribute to a positive company reputation, attracting top talent and enhancing overall organizational success.

Examples of Employee Wellness Initiatives

Examples of corporate wellness programs. Lucky for you, there are endless possibilities regarding what you can offer in wellness initiatives. Here are a few employee wellness initiatives that will surely excite your team (and healthy).

1. Fitness Activities

Fitness activities are a popular choice for employee wellness programs, and for good reason. From yoga classes to running clubs to corporate fitness challenges, there are endless ways to get your employees moving and grooving. Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase overall health - what's not to love? 

2. Assistance Programs 

Sometimes, life can be tough. That's why assistance programs can greatly add to your wellness offerings. From financial counseling to legal advice to mental health support, assistance programs can give your employees the resources they need to navigate life's challenges. 

3. Naps 

Who doesn't love a good nap? While letting your employees sleep on the job may seem counterintuitive, studies have shown that naps can increase productivity and creativity. Consider setting up a designated nap room or offering nap pods for your employees to recharge during the workday. 

4. Community Service Activities

Giving back feels good - and it's good for you too! Community service activities can be a great way to engage your employees while positively impacting your community. Consider organizing a group volunteer day or offering paid time off for employees to volunteer with a local charity. 

5. Health Screenings

Prevention is key when it comes to staying healthy. That's why health screenings can be valuable to your wellness programs. From blood pressure checks to cholesterol tests to cancer screenings, regular health screenings can help your employees stay on top of their health and catch potential issues early on. 

6. Smoking Cessation Programs 

Smoking is bad for you - we all know that. But quitting can be a tough journey. That's where smoking cessation programs come in. By offering resources and support for employees who want to quit smoking, you can help improve their health and reduce the impact of secondhand smoke on the workplace. 

7. Stress Reduction Programs 

Stress - the bane of every employee's existence. But it doesn't have to be that way! Stress reduction programs can help employees manage stress and improve their overall well-being. There are many options, from mindfulness workshops to massage days to stress management seminars. 

8. Onsite Wellness Workshops

Bringing wellness experts onsite to conduct workshops can be highly beneficial for employees. These workshops can cover various topics such as nutrition, mindfulness, financial planning, or time management, providing practical tips and strategies for improving overall well-being. 

9. Healthy Snack Options 

Promoting healthy eating habits in the workplace can be as simple as providing nutritious snack options. Stocking the office kitchen with:

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• fresh fruits
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Other healthy snacks 

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Encourages employees to make healthier daily choices, boosting energy and productivity. 

10. Financial Wellness Programs 

Financial wellness is an integral part of overall well-being. Employers can offer financial wellness programs that provide employees with resources and education on budgeting, saving for retirement, managing debt, and investing wisely. 

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17 Benefits of Employee Wellness Programs

1. Employee Wellness Programs Increase Healthy Behavior And Curb The Risk Of Lifestyle-Related Disease 

In the conclusion of a Workplace Wellness Programs Study Report published by Rand Health Quarterly, researchers write: “Consistent with prior research, we find that lifestyle management interventions as a component of a wellness program can reduce risk factors, such as smoking, and increase healthy behaviors, such as exercise. We find that these effects are sustainable over time and clinically meaningful. This result is of critical importance, as it confirms that workplace wellness programs can help contain the current epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases, the main driver of premature morbidity and mortality as well as health care cost in the United States.” 

The report suggests that wellness programs can positively affect employees’ health and lives. This might not sound like a big deal, but it’s a major accomplishment and testament to employee wellness programs' power. From a public health perspective, health behavior change is difficult to accomplish. If employee wellness programs can motivate long-term behavior change, they hold far more value than traditional, less effective health interventions focused on individual willpower. 

Case in Point: 

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• Employee wellness programs could be the key to achieving long-term health. 

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2. Employee Wellness Programs Increase Engagement  

In a report conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Humana, researchers write: “Most critically for employers, however, the EIU research offers striking evidence that wellness programs align employer and employee goals more closely. They increase employee engagement with the company’s mission and goals. 

Employees are also more likely to see their own wellness as being linked with professional success. Companies that build a wellness culture thus acquire a workforce that is not only more focused and engaged, but that sees that culture as benefiting their careers.” 

3. Employees Want Wellness Programs 

Experts from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health analyzed surveys to determine the overall perceptions of wellness programs from employee and employer perspectives. Their data analysis revealed that about 59.4% of employees think employers should attempt to improve the health of their workers.

What does this statistic really indicate? 

It indicates that popular opinion supports the idea of corporate involvement in our health. As more companies adopt wellness programs, the number of employees demanding them will likely increase. Companies can stay ahead of demand by developing wellness methodologies and infrastructure now. 

This proactive strategy avoids scrambling to develop a worthwhile program when employee wellness matures into a must-have benefit. 

4. Well-Being Increases Adaptability  

Top researchers at Gallup found that employees who are engaged at work and experience high levels of well-being were 45% more likely than other employees to adapt to change. Instant communication tools, globalization, shifting responsibilities, and tons of other factors necessitate adaptability in employees at all companies, the big and the small. 

Programs that boost adaptability stand to benefit any organization. Adaptable employees don’t waste time freaking out about changes; they simply take a breath and rise to the occasion. Adaptable employees don’t need bosses to outline the steps they need to take; they simply jump in and get the job done. 

5. Specialized Wellness Programs Provide A Solid Return On Investment  

The Community Preventive Services Task Force (CPSTF) performed a systematic review of programs that featured health risk assessments with feedback and health education. They found that for every dollar invested in health intervention, employees recouped between $1.40 and $4.60 in avoided medical costs and productivity losses. 

6. Employee Wellness Programs Boost Productivity  

According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, employees who leveraged wellness programs to make lifestyle changes saved their companies about $353 in recouped productivity they gained due to their newfound wellness.

7. Employee Wellness Programs Could Elevate Company Culture  

A Virgin Pulse study found that 85% of employers believed their successful wellness program positively influenced company culture. Company culture comprises many variables, and many are challenging, if not impossible, to pinpoint. That’s why connecting an uptick in positive culture with a specific action is so significant. 

8. Employee Wellness Programs Could Boost Market Valuation  

In another report published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers concluded that: “This study supports prior and ongoing research demonstrating a higher market valuation an affirmation of business success by Wall Street investors of socially responsible companies that invest in the health and well-being of their workers when compared with other publicly traded firms.” 

The researchers caution that the link between the wellness programs and market valuation is neither direct or immediate, but they encourage companies to make long-term plans and investments to develop truly effective programs that may one day benefit stock performance. 

9. Employee Wellness Programs Could Decrease Depression  

One study from Nutrition found that a specific health and wellness program, the Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP), actually led to decreased depression as an added benefit to improved nutrition. 

The researchers used the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) as a measure, and they suggest that in addition to the nutrition factors contributing to decreased depression, the social interaction and positive reinforcement involved in the program may have helped. (This research also suggests that social interaction and positive reinforcement may be yet another benefit of employee wellness programs. See benefit #10 for more information.) 

10. Employee Wellness Programs Bring Employees Together And Build Camaraderie  

Employee wellness programs depend on the participation of multiple employees. No matter what program you choose, it’s guaranteed to bring employees together on some level. 

Wellness programs involve shared goals and struggles and maybe even group meetings, support groups, and fitness activities. As employees work on improving their health together, bonding and camaraderie will follow. As we mentioned in benefit #9, the social interaction and positive reinforcement associated with group participation in wellness programs can offer valuable, if unintended, benefits. 

11. Employee Wellness Programs Focused On Meditation Could Reduce Stress. Meditation-In-The-Office-Wellness-Program 

Develop an employee wellness program focused on mindfulness, and you could notice a major reduction in workplace stress. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, meditation might help improve:

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• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression

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If you’re thinking about implementing a meditation-centric wellness program, then you’re in luck; meditation is a relatively inexpensive and fuss-free art to practice. If you have a light budget, you might be able to implement an employee wellness program using just one quiet conference room and some free guided mindfulness meditations. 

12.  Reduces Absenteeism  

A safe and healthy workplace reduces the frequency of absences due to injuries and illnesses. Consider some examples of initiatives offered through wellness programs that can help reduce absenteeism: 

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• Flu Shots: Offering preventive health services like flu shots help employees avoid getting sick and missing work. 
• Clinics and Telemedicine: Access to on-site or near-site clinics or telemedicine services provide timely medical attention, reducing the need for prolonged absences due to health issues. 
• Health Coaching: Health coaches draw upon employees’ existing strengths to guide them toward the autonomous decision to improve their health. 

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This builds a sense of ownership and sets employees up for sustained behavior changes, reducing the likelihood of future injuries or illnesses. 

13. Supports Employee Retention & Recruitment  

Wellness benefits are no longer a “nice-to-have” perk but a “must-have” essential for employers looking to attract and retain top talent. When choosing an employer, 87% of employees consider health and wellness packages to be important factors. As employees continue pursuing more than just job security, wellness programs act as a crucial selling point for job-seekers and a tool to ensure the loyalty and satisfaction of current employees. 

The integration of lifestyle spending accounts (LSAs) into wellness programs can further boost program appeal. These accounts empower employees to allocate funds to wellness expenses of their choice. Organizations can provide additional LSA credits as incentives for employees who meet program goals or participate in health initiatives. This promotes participation and offers greater personalization, autonomy, and flexibility in wellness programs. 

14. Boosts Company Image  

Organizations that embody a “people first” approach are recognized as responsible and forward-thinking, positioning them as industry leaders. Those that invest in comprehensive wellness programs turn this philosophy into practice, translating into a thriving corporate culture and positive brand perception. 

15. Increases Resilience  

Resilience, the ability to bounce back from challenges and adapt to change, is essential for personal and professional growth. Wellness programs help build resilience by equipping employees with the tools to handle stress, overcome obstacles, and maintain productivity in adverse situations. Consider the following examples of how wellness programs can foster resilience: 

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• Maintaining A Fitness Routine: Regular exercise, often promoted in wellness programs, requires dedication and perseverance. Overcoming a difficult workout builds mental toughness that can translate into handling work-related challenges with similar determination. 
• Healthy Habit Building: Establishing and maintaining healthy habits, such as:some text
  • Regular sleep patterns or mindfulness practices
  • Promotes routine
  • Time-management skills

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These components can help employees better manage their work responsibilities, especially when working on complex or long-term projects. 

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• Eating Well: Wellness programs often emphasize the importance of nutrition. Maintaining a balanced diet requires discipline, a valuable asset in the workplace. 
• Stress Management Techniques: Stress management techniques can help employees stay composed in high-pressure work situations, allowing for effective problem-solving. 

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16. Enhances Work-Life Balance  

Wellness programs that promote work-life balance can significantly benefit employees. By offering flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, employers can help employees better manage their personal and professional responsibilities, reducing stress and improving overall well-being. 

17. Fosters Personal Development And Growth  

Wellness programs focusing on personal development and growth can help employees thrive professionally and personally. Employers can offer opportunities for:

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• Skill-building workshops
• Career coaching
• Mentorship programs
• Empowering employees

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To set and achieve personal and professional goals while fostering a culture of continuous learning and development. Wellness programs can give employees the tools to manage chronic health conditions effectively, reducing the need for time off work due to illness.

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Steps to Launching an Employee Wellness Program

Set Goals That Will Benefit Both The Company And The Staff

Before implementing any wellness initiatives, you need to define what you want to achieve. Setting clear, measurable goals will help you stay on track and assess the effectiveness of your program. 

If your company's employees report high-stress levels, you might set a goal to reduce those levels by a certain percentage within a specified period. This could be achieved by increasing participation in stress management programs or creating a culture that promotes employee well-being. Setting goals that benefit both the company and employees will help ensure your program's long-term success.

Set Up A Dedicated Team

Implementing a successful employee wellness program takes time and resources. To ensure you're giving the program the attention it deserves, consider setting up a dedicated wellness team or appointing a wellness coordinator. 

This group will manage the program, oversee communications, and encourage employee participation. They will also collect data to assess the program’s effectiveness over time and make any necessary adjustments.

Collect Data

Collecting data to get a clear picture of your employees' needs and interests is important. This includes:

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• Employee surveys
• Health assessments
• Healthcare claims data

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This information can help you tailor your workplace wellness program to the specific needs of your workforce and track progress over time. 

For example, if you discover that many employees seek health care for musculoskeletal issues, you can develop programs that promote mobility and ergonomics to reduce discomfort and improve productivity.

Make a Plan

Once you understand your goals and your employees' needs, it's time to develop a plan. This plan should include specific initiatives that align with your goals and address the needs of your workforce. 

For example, if you want to improve employee mental health, your program might include stress management workshops, meditation classes, and mental health days. Creating a detailed outline of your workplace wellness plan will help you stay organized as you implement the program and keep everyone on the same page.

Communicate The Program

Communication is key when launching an employee wellness program. Make sure your employees understand the program's goals, the specific initiatives you're offering, and how they can participate. 

Use multiple channels to spread the word, including team meetings, email, and the company intranet. To generate excitement about the program, consider creating promotional materials with fun graphics and encouraging language.

Acquire Feedback And Adjust The Wellness Program

It is important to gather employee feedback and adjust your workplace wellness program as needed. Regular employee surveys, focus groups, and data analysis can help you assess the effectiveness of your program and make improvements over time. Continuously monitoring and adjusting your wellness program ensures it remains relevant and valuable to your employees.

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