19 Great Examples of Company Wellness Programs & Why They Work

Stiff joints, sore muscles, and fatigue can ruin anyone’s day, and employees who sit for long periods at work are especially prone to these issues. If this sounds familiar, your organization may need to implement a company wellness program focusing on mobility to help employees avoid, reduce, or eliminate these challenges. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of mobility training, how it can enhance employee wellness and productivity, and proven company wellness programs that can help you get started.

Pliability's mobility app can help you reach your goals by providing employees with on-demand access to proven mobility protocols from world-class experts. Employees can use the app to reduce injury risks, improve their performance, and enhance their overall health and wellness with activities like seated stretches.

What Is Company Wellness and Why Is It Important?

Corporate wellness refers to the initiatives and programs organizations implement to promote and support their employees' overall health and well-being. It’s a strategic approach that recognizes the importance of employee well-being and its impact on individual performance, team dynamics, and organizational success. 

At its core, corporate wellness encompasses a holistic view of well-being, addressing various aspects of employees’ lives. This includes promoting physical health through fitness programs, encouraging healthy eating habits, and providing preventive health screenings. Moreover, it involves supporting employees’ mental and emotional health, offering stress management resources, promoting work-life balance, and fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. 

What Are Corporate Wellness Programs? 

Corporate wellness programs aim to create a work environment prioritizing physical and mental employee health by offering resources, activities, and incentives that encourage healthy behaviors and lifestyles. Many companies still need help understanding the concept of a workplace wellness program. This is because many employers think wellness is solely related to health problems. Many wellness programs are fit for companies of different types and sizes. These programs all come down to your values, mission, and vision. 

Why Is Employee Wellness Important? 

By offering employee wellness programs, companies can improve the health of their employees, which, in turn, leads to benefits like lower healthcare costs, increased productivity, and higher levels of job satisfaction. 

Lower Healthcare Costs 

Employees participating in regular health screenings and preventative health practices are less likely to get sick. And if they get sick, they are more likely to detect and treat their illness, avoiding costly health complications. These practices are good for employees' health and reduce healthcare costs. 

‍According to Baicker (2010), for every dollar spent on wellness programs, companies see their healthcare costs fall by $3.27 and their absentee costs drop by $2.73. Johnson & Johnson estimates that its employee wellness program saved the company $250 million in healthcare costs over a decade. In 15 years, the number of employees who smoke dropped by nearly two-thirds, and the number of employees with high blood pressure dropped by more than half. 

Increased Employee Engagement 

Employee wellness programs also show employees that their employer is invested in their well-being. This contributes to employee engagement, which leads to increased productivity and profitability — and lower turnover. Through its employee surveys, health insurance company Point32Health has found that its employee well-being program is one of the most important contributors to employee engagement in the organization. 

“These wellness programs are contributing to a positive work environment,” Peter Church, Point32Health’s chief people officer, told Built In. “People feel valued. People feel supported. People feel cared about.” Church, who was diagnosed with cancer shortly after rolling out Point32Health’s wellness program, said that companies that support their employees during times of need can deepen their relationship with employees while living up to their corporate values. “The only way for us to fulfill our purpose as a company — helping people live healthier lives — is to take care of ourselves and to take care of each other.” 

Heightened Productivity 

When employees are healthy, they take fewer sick days, which improves productivity. The mental health component of these programs also aims to combat burnout and absenteeism — another productivity killer. “If your employees are healthy and happy, they’re going to come to work, they’re going to do better work and they’re going to be in a better position to grow with the company,” Bridgett Hart, vice president of employee experience at customer experience outsourcing firm ibex, told Built In. 

Employee wellness programs also help employees deal with the stress they’re experiencing in their personal lives, which can cause distractions that prevent employees from reaching their full potential at work. “The more an employee is thinking about some stress or challenge in their personal life, the less focused they can be on their work,” Kevin Robertson, chief revenue officer at HSA Bank, told Built In. “It’s beneficial to the employer to help eliminate some of those distractions.” 

Attracting and Retaining Talent 

Employee wellness programs can also help organizations attract and retain talent. According to a survey by Robert Half, roughly 73 percent of workers consider a company’s employee wellness program when choosing their future employer. “In a competitive labor market, companies that promote comprehensive wellness initiatives stand out to top talent, serving as a powerful recruitment tool,” Sibyl McCarley, chief people officer at HireVue, told Built In. “Candidates are drawn to organizations that are committed to employee health and well-being, often viewing such benefits as essential to their employment decisions.” 

Meeting the Unique Needs of Employees 

When done right, employee wellness programs offer an opportunity to meet the workforce's diverse needs. Companies can use workforce analytics and employee surveys to learn what employees want from their wellness programs. Some software tools also use AI to personalize wellness benefits. 

“[Wellness programs] need to serve up the right benefits … at just the right time for each member in ways that in the past we’ve just been unable to do,” Renya Spak, chief growth officer at personal health engagement platform Well, told Built In. “Wellness programs should reflect the demographics of the workforce, but they should also be left broad enough to be used in various ways. “You need to be as broad as possible because you need to be as inclusive as possible,” Church said.

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What is the Main Focus of Company Wellness Programs?

The focus of wellness programs will vary based on the organization's and its employees' needs. That said, most wellness programs aim to improve five key areas of health: physical, mental, emotional, social, and financial. Companies offer different wellness programs depending on their size, demographics, and financial resources. That said, most wellness programs have standard components: 

Physical Health: Addressing the Risk of Sedentary Lifestyles in Wellness Programs  

A sedentary life is the new smoking. It’s as deadly as insidious, creeping up on you when you’re not looking. Before you know it, you’re at your desk for hours, only to take breaks that involve scrolling on your phone or walking to the kitchen for a snack. Research shows that sitting for long periods can increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. 

This is true even for people who exercise regularly. The best way to offset the risk of extended sitting is to move more throughout the day. Wellness programs can help. They give employees the tools, resources, and motivation to break up their sitting time to promote better physical health.   

Most organizations offer gym memberships, on-site fitness centers, subsidized fitness classes in local health clubs, and fitness challenges to promote healthy lifestyles. 

Mental and Emotional Health 

Mental health awareness has increased dramatically in recent years. According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions and substance use disorders have increased by 13% over the past decade. And while remote work options are cost-effective and convenient, they’ve also exacerbated an already worsening mental health crisis in today’s high-stress work environments. 

Examples of mental health solutions include access to therapy or counseling, mental health days, stress management seminars, and meditation classes. Some employers offer employee assistance programs (EAP) with resources for dealing with substance abuse, anxiety, depression, or burnout. 

Work-life Balance 

An average employee spends 1/3 of their time at work. This can conflict with the employee’s family obligations, social life, and personal time. Work-related stress can also trickle down to an employee’s personal life and expose them to health risks. Flexible work hours, remote options, pet and child-friendly facilities, subsidized daycare, and eldercare programs help employees manage personal matters effectively. 

Preventative Health “Healthcare costs for people with a chronic condition average $6,032 annually—five times higher than those without such a condition,” reports the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors. Wellness programs help employees avoid potential health problems and lead healthier lifestyles. Such programs include health risk assessments, smoking cessation programs, biometric screenings, nutrition counseling, and weight management programs. 

Financial Wellness 

The American Psychological Association’s Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the Future, Beset by Inflation report underscores the importance of financial wellness. According to the report, inflation, the economy, and money are significant sources of stress for 83%, 69%, and 66% of adults, respectively. Furthermore, money is a significant source of tension and fights in families for 55% of people. Financial wellness initiatives help alleviate financial stress and improve overall well-being. They can include assistance with retirement planning or student loans, tuition reimbursement, stock options and equity for employees, etc. 

Social and Community Programs 

Human beings are social creatures. We’re wired for connection and community. According to Forbes, strong social connections increase employee happiness, improve physical health, and boost job performance. They’re also more likely to remain and be more engaged with their employer. “Loneliness kills,” remarked Robert Waldinger, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, in his wildly popular Ted Talk, What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness.

“Loneliness is as powerful as smoking or alcoholism.” After a 75-year-old study, Waldinger and his team also discovered that “People’s level of satisfaction with their relationships at age 50 was a better predictor of physical health than their cholesterol levels were.” Employee social and community programs can include team-building activities, volunteering opportunities, or social events promoting a sense of belonging. Some employers encourage employees to give back to the community by offering volunteer days or matching charitable contributions. 

Professional Development 

Continuous learning is vital in today’s rapidly digitalized world. An opportunity for career growth within the company is a key determinant for a new job for employees aged 18-34, according to the 2023 LinkedIn Learning Report. Additionally, 31% of this demographic seeks opportunities to learn and develop new skills, and 30% of all employees seek impactful and challenging work. Employers prioritizing employee growth often facilitate skill enhancement workshops, guided support programs, leadership training, mentorship programs, and continuous learning opportunities. Some provide tuition assistance or support relevant certification courses to help employees advance. 

Spiritual Health 

Though often overlooked in employee and wellness discussions, spiritual health is crucial to overall well-being. According to multiple studies, workplace spirituality increases positive outcomes such as job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and improved well-being. Initiatives that promote spiritual health vary greatly depending on a company’s culture and the diversity of its employees. Some companies offer meditation or yoga classes to encourage mindfulness. Others offer chaplain services or prayer rooms. Employers might also implement policies that respect religious holidays and customs.  

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19 Great Examples of Company Wellness Programs & Why They Work

1. Digital Fitness Subscriptions  

Digital fitness platforms are here to stay. The popularity of at-home workouts skyrocketed during the pandemic. Even now, as more people return to the gym, many still prefer the flexibility and diversity of workouts available through digital fitness platforms. Offering your employees memberships or subscriptions to these services can help them transition back to the office and improve their mental and physical health. 

2. On-Site Fitness Accommodations  

Even if the focus has moved to your team's overall well-being, you can still offer programs specific to their physical health. Previously, companies often focused on employee wellness programs by securing discounts at local health clubs and encouraging employees to attend outside work hours. This program is only nominally successful because most people who would've taken advantage already had a gym membership. Instead, invest in an on-site fitness center. And don't stop there – Incentivize your employees to work out by allowing them an hour to do so during work hours. Your employees will have the opportunity to not only work out with their friends and colleagues, but they can do it without driving out of their way before or after work. 

3. Virtual Mental Health Support  

At least 1 in 5 adults in the US lives with a mental health issue. Unfortunately, there are 350 individuals needing care from 1 mental health provider. Offering subscriptions to digital mental health platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace can provide employees with easy, confidential access to professional support. 

4. Personalized Nutrition Plans  

Poor nutrition is a significant cause of poor health. Partner with services like PlateJoy or Noom, which offer personalized meal planning, nutrition coaching, and health tracking to support employees’ nutrition goals. 

5. Online Learning and Development Platforms  

According to a recent Goldman Sachs report, over 300 million jobs are at risk of automation in the next 10 years. Conversely, experts reckon that up to 85% of the jobs in high demand in 2030 haven’t been invented yet. According to the World Economic Forum, “6 in 10 workers will require training before 2027, but only half of workers have access to adequate training opportunities today.” Offering access to platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning can support employees’ professional development and mental stimulation. 

6. Financial Education  

Stressing about money happens to everyone at some point. Financial stress is a burden that can affect every area of life, including your job. If you have an employee consumed with money woes, there's a good chance they're not engaged at work and need more time to focus on wellness. Providing financial education to your employees can help alleviate this strain while teaching them a key life skill - and your employees will appreciate it. 

This goes beyond the 401K person who comes to the office once a year. Your employees can benefit from learning how to budget, invest, and choose the best retirement plan. Remember, your company is likely made up of people in all stages of life, from 20-somethings right out of college to seasoned staff nearing retirement. Tailor your financial education offerings and your employee wellness programs accordingly. 

7. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)  

If not already in place, implementing an EAP is crucial. One will help employees manage challenges that might impact their work performance or personal life. 

8. Flexibility and Autonomy  

Startups and other young companies have already figured this one out. It's the older and bigger companies that have yet to climb on board. If your employee's role is independent of a specific range of hours in the day, why are you forcing them to work those hours? Let's face it: many positions must be beholden to the old 40-hour workweek standard. And if your employees are dealing with kids, sharing a vehicle, or scheduling college courses, there's a good chance that schedule is a pain in their necks. 

Relieve some of your team's daily stress and focus on employee wellness by allowing flexible working hours when appropriate. Permitting employees to shift their schedule by as little as one hour could make all the difference. Consider offering the choice of a four-day workweek. Which is the more productive employee – one rushing to work in a frazzled mess or arriving calm and ready to get to business?

9. Remote working arrangements  

With flexible working hours, why not offer your team the opportunity to work remotely? While it's not the right fit for every situation (or every employee), most organizations have at least some roles that can be handled remotely, making this an excellent option for an employee wellness program. Plus, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven that remote work, well, works. It's been statistically proven that employees who can work from home – even if only occasionally – are happier. Consider how many call-ins you have during flu season (or worse yet, people who come to work sick.) 

If you're in an area with inclement weather, how often does it keep people from work? These are both common scenarios that cause stress to your employees and are a burden to your business. Allowing remote working is an easy solution. Moreover, one of the key reasons people left their companies during the Great Resignation was the lack of flexibility towards work-from-home arrangements. A survey conducted by FlexJobs reported that 58% of participants agreed they would "absolutely" look for a new job if they couldn't continue remote work in their current role. 

10. Require work-life balance  

Dedicated employees are an asset to your company. But be careful encouraging your team – even indirectly – to skip lunch, forgo vacations, or make a habit of coming in early and staying late. Employees with little to no work-life balance are traditionally among your team's unhappiest and least engaged members. Instead, make work-life balance a priority in your business for employee wellness. Some companies even require their staff to take time off. Be sure your employees know you value their lives outside the office - and they should, too. Implement cross-learning and backup coverage to make employees feel comfortable and happy about taking time away from work. 

11. Virtual Team Building Activities  

Social isolation and loneliness are The flip side of remote and hybrid work arrangements. Organize regular online team-building activities like virtual escape rooms, trivia, or even online fitness challenges to boost team members’ social well-being and connectivity. 

12. Healthy Home Office  

Still, remote work enhances the employee experience by providing ergonomic assessments of home workspaces. You can also offer stipends for employees to invest in ergonomic furniture to promote physical health. 

13. Micro-Learning Wellness Modules  

56% of employees cite lack of time as the major reason they don’t participate in wellness programs. Provide micro-learning wellness modules with bite-sized information or activities related to health and wellness that employees can complete in short bursts. This could include tips for quick stress-relief exercises, healthy snacks or food recipes, mini workouts, or brief mindfulness practices. 

14. Community Service Days  

Encouraging employees to spend time outside the office may not promote engagement or wellness. However, fostering an environment of community involvement can transform your company's culture. Volunteering makes people feel good. When your employees have a chance to work for a cause they care about, you'll have a happier, more well-rounded team. Take your cues from others within your organization who have already volunteered. 

They can help you champion this employee wellness program. Learn about the various organizations in your area and work with them to set up a volunteer opportunity for your team. If planning a company-wide volunteer program is challenging, you can still encourage community involvement. Allow your employees a few hours a month to spend time away from the office participating in the volunteer program of their choice. 

15. Recognition and Reward System  

Meeting company goals, whether big or small, should be a cause for celebration. When your team works toward a common goal but sees little to no acknowledgment once it is met, their engagement naturally turns downward. Worse still, they may need more motivation when the next task or project rolls around. 

Show your employees that you care about and appreciate their hard work through this employee wellness program. This can be done with trips, local outings, in-office parties, or even a simple shout-out in the monthly newsletter. Remember to share your team's successes outside your company, too. If you're proud of your team, tell everyone about it with a press release, a write-up in a trade publication, or a video. 

16. Add collaborative workspaces  

Collaborative workspaces can help your team's engagement and wellness in several ways. The mere act of working in close physical proximity to others is proven to foster engagement and creativity. Allow your team the opportunity to move out of their cubicles or offices and work in a shared space where talking and collaborating are easier. Giving your staff a break from their everyday surroundings is like a breath of fresh air. 

It encourages different kinds of thinking and fosters new ideas. And getting to know co-workers is a bonus. But remember, only some employees are cut out to work in a collaborative space. Some may have trouble staying focused, while others may feel intrusive. Allowing your team to work collaboratively is better than forcing them to do so.

17. Parent coaching and support  

Parenting is hard. Working parents face unique challenges, especially in the digital age, where work follows you everywhere. This is an employee wellness program every company should offer. Help your staff work toward a better work-life balance while also improving the relationship with their family by providing parent coaching. 

Employees with a happy home life are naturally more engaged and motivated while on the job. You can also consider starting an employee resource group for working parents. At Culture Amp, we have an ERG called Camp Carebears, which is an ERG aimed at allowing employees with caregiving responsibilities so they can be sustainably successful. 

18. De-stressing activities  

Reduce employee stress and boost engagement by offering classes in yoga, meditation, tai chi, or similar relaxation techniques. While you may not intentionally stress your employees out, sometimes their job causes tension and stress. Show your employees that you recognize stressful times and are willing to help by prioritizing mindfulness in the workplace. Employees who can deal with stress effectively are among the best team members. Set your staff up for success by assisting them to learn to relax and manage tension. 

19. Walking/Running Clubs  

Lastly, establishing a walking or running club is a cost-effective way to encourage physical activity and team bonding. Consider setting regular times for walks/runs, creating fitness challenges, or even training together for a local race. Remote workers can participate by tracking and sharing their progress.  

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