Top 15 Successful Corporate Wellness Programs That Drive Real Change

Many employees face a common issue in today’s workplace: sedentary behavior. For example, sitting for prolonged periods can increase the risk of severe health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. It can also weaken muscles and joints, leading to limited mobility and increased pain. As a result, employees may experience decreased productivity and morale, hurting workplace culture. Successful corporate wellness programs can help employees reduce sedentary behavior and improve their well-being. This article will explore creating a successful corporate wellness program focused on mobility and improving the health of employees who sit all day. From seated stretches to outdoor activities, we will cover it all.

Pliability's mobility app can help you achieve your corporate wellness goals. With our app, you can create a customized program to improve the mobility of your employees who sit all day. The app features a library of over 500 targeted exercises and stretches to help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and promote recovery.

What Is a Corporate Wellness Program?

A corporate wellness program is an organized set of initiatives and activities designed to improve the overall health and well-being of employees within an organization. For good reason, these programs have gained significant traction in recent years. The initiatives encompass a range of activities designed to enhance mental and physical health, ultimately creating a more positive work environment. 

The core wellness program goals and objectives are: 
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• Reduce absenteeism 
• Boost productivity 
• Cultivate a more engaged workforce 
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The Multifaceted Benefits of Investing in Corporate Wellness Programs

Research shows that companies investing in wellness initiatives often see a substantial 28% reduction in sick days. This decrease in absences naturally leads to increased productivity. These programs extend far beyond physical health. They typically include: 
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• Stress management
• Financial wellness
• Emotional well-being components
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The aim is to: 
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• Enhance productivity
• Lower healthcare costs
• Foster a more engaged team
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It's a simple concept: employees perform at their best when they are happy and healthy. Additional perks like financial incentives and personalized health screenings make employees feel valued and supported. Companies recognize that investing in wellness is a long-term strategy for success, not just an added benefit. After all, who wouldn't want to work for an organization that prioritizes their well-being? 

Why Corporate Wellness Programs Are Important 

For far too long, we’ve prioritized doing well over being well. Thousands of years ago, our ancestors had one job: survival. They spent their days hunting, gathering, leaping over trees, and chasing down their food. Their work was life or death, demanding agility, sharp senses, and constant movement. Falling short could result in them becoming prey. 

The Impact of Sedentary Lifestyles on Employee Health and Corporate Wellness

Now, fast-forward to today. The stakes may not be as primal, but the risks are still in a different form. Did you know doctors recommend 10,000 steps a day for good health? Yet the average employee barely manages 2,000 steps a day. 

This sedentary lifestyle is fueling the rise of chronic illnesses like: 
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• Type 2 diabetes
• Heart disease
• Obesity
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And it’s not just a personal issue—it’s a corporate one, too. 

The Business Case for Corporate Wellness Programs: Reducing Costs and Boosting Productivity

According to the International Labor Organization, about 2 million people globally lose their lives each year to workplace-related illnesses. In the U.S. alone, poor employee health costs companies $575 billion in lost productivity annually. This is where corporate wellness programs come in. They’ve gone from being a “nice-to-have” to an absolute necessity. These programs reduce turnover and directly impact the bottom line by fostering healthier, more productive employees. 

But here’s the catch: building a successful wellness program requires more than a generic approach. You must understand what employees want in a wellness program and the unique challenges affecting their well-being. 

What Makes a Great Wellness Program: The Key Components 

The best wellness initiatives aren't one-size-fits-all. They are planned, deliberate, and intended to address every facet of employees’ well-being. 

Here's what makes a wellness program genuinely great: 

1. Holistic Approach 

Beyond physical health, a great wellness program considers holistic wellness, which includes all aspects of well-being. It promotes: 
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• Physical wellness: Sustaining physical well-being with diet, rest, and exercise. 
• Emotional wellness: It involves managing stress and building resilience to handle emotions effectively. 
• Financial wellness: Effective money management can lower stress and boost security. 
• Social wellness: Establishing and preserving wholesome connections, feeling a part of the community, and receiving assistance. 
• Occupational wellness: Attaining work-life balance, growing professionally, and making a meaningful contribution to the workplace. 
• Purpose: Pursuing one's ideals and objectives in personal and professional life. 
• Intellectual wellness: Intellectual growth involves acquiring new skills, expanding thinking, and fostering curiosity. 
• Environmental wellness: Living in balance with the environment and doing our part to keep it safe. 
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2. Leadership Support 

When leadership is fully dedicated, employees follow suit. A wellness program backed by senior leadership shows commitment—leaders who champion wellness lead by example and inspire participation. 

3. Accessibility and Inclusivity 

A wellness program must be accessible to everyone. This means it must be inclusive of diverse needs and designed for employees at all levels and backgrounds. Think remote access, multiple languages, and customizable options for different abilities. 

4. Employee Engagement and Participation 

Programs work best when employees are excited about them. This means engaging in activities, challenges, incentives, and rewards that keep everyone involved—the more fun and participation-friendly the program, the higher the engagement. Employee engagement in wellness programs is crucial for success. 

5. Technology Integration 

Incorporating technology makes wellness seamless. From applications to wearables, tech keeps workers motivated on their fitness journey by tracking progress and providing feedback. Consider it a portable personal trainer. 

6. Measurement and Continuous Improvement

A great wellness program isn't static. It's measured and adapted based on what's working and what's not. Regularly analyzing wellness program participation, satisfaction, and health outcomes ensures the program evolves and improves. 

7. Integration with Company Goals and Culture 

Wellness isn't separate from your company's goals. The best programs are woven into the company culture and aligned with the overall mission, ensuring they support individual and organizational growth. 

8. Cultural Sensitivity 

A top-notch wellness program acknowledges and incorporates its workforce’s diverse backgrounds and views. It ensures that everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, feels accepted, understood, and supported.

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8 Types of Popular Corporate Wellness Programs

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1. Physical Wellness Programs

Physical wellness programs help employees boost their overall health. These physical exercises enhance physical health:
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• Fitness
• Gym classes
• Health screenings
• Yoga sessions
• Step challenges
• Cycling
• Walking
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For instance, incorporating yoga into employees’ routines can alleviate pain and is cost-effective. Yoga requires minimal equipment, such as mats, and can be practiced for 10-20 minutes daily to promote better health. 

2. Mental Wellness Programs

Mental wellness programs aim to reduce stress and support employee well-being. These programs are training to equip employees with practical coping skills. It includes: 
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• Mindfulness breaks
• Stress management workshops
• Resilience 
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Also, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) provide confidential counseling, while activities such as gratitude challenges and mobile massage days encourage mental relaxation. Additional resources like regular mental health tips, outdoor workspaces, and wellness giveaways such as mindfulness apps or spa days enhance mental well-being. 

3. Financial Wellness Programs

Financial wellness programs are crucial for helping employees effectively manage their money. These programs educate employees on sound spending and saving habits, ensuring a stable financial situation. Beyond retirement planning, employers can offer training in various financial areas, such as:
 

• Personal budgeting
• Debt management
• Credit counseling
• Student loan assistance
• Emergency savings
• Goal setting
• Financial planning
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By providing these resources, employers empower employees to make informed financial decisions and achieve their financial aspirations. 

4. Social Wellness Programs

Social wellness focuses on developing positive interactions and connections among employees. These connections offer relational, instrumental, or emotional support, influencing health habits and behaviors. These bonds also help reduce stress and enhance emotional and psychological well-being by boosting: 
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• Cardiovascular
• Immune
• Endocrine responses
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Research shows that strong social connections contribute to longer life spans and lower the risk of death from all causes. Social wellness programs include team-building activities such as: 
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• Retreats
• Social outings
• Collaborative projects
• Interest-based groups (e.g., book clubs, sports teams)
• Community service through company-sponsored volunteer days
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5. Environmental Wellness Programs

Environmental wellness focuses on the relationship between humans and nature, positively impacting employee health and well-being. Employers can promote sustainability by ensuring adequate recycling facilities, providing separate bins for organic waste, and implementing zero-waste programs to reduce plastic consumption and food waste. They can incentivize employees to improve the workplace environment by offering rewards. 

Sustainable Workplace Practices: Enhancing Employee Well-Being and Environmental Impact

They can also organize clean-up events on beaches or forests to contribute to environmental conservation. Investing in ergonomic office furniture and adding office plants can enhance air quality and improve employee mood. Encouraging employees to turn off lights when not in use helps conserve energy. These actions not only benefit employees but also contribute to environmental conservation. 

6. Nutritional Wellness Programs

Nutritional wellness programs focus on employees’ dietary needs, ensuring they consume enough essential vitamins and amino acids. To promote healthy eating, employers can replace unhealthy cafeteria options with more nutritious choices, offer nutritional guidance and healthy recipes, and provide access to dietitians or nutritionists. 

Employers can also help employees achieve their health goals by providing nutritious meal options and support for managing stress or binge eating.

7. Flexible Wellness Programs

Flexible wellness programs allow employees to work from various locations and at times that fit their personal lives. Employers can offer flexible working hours, such as flexitime or alternative schedules, and remote working options that support mental and physical health. To boost employee morale, employers can also organize virtual events like: 
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• Trivia
• Scavenger hunts
• Virtual comedy clubs 
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Employees can choose to sit anywhere they find comfortable, which can help reduce or prevent back pain and eye strain. These programs aim to create a supportive work environment that fosters mental, emotional, and physical well-being while addressing sedentary lifestyles and promoting work-life balance. 

8. Preventive Healthcare Programs

Preventive healthcare initiatives in the workplace, such as vaccination clinics, chronic disease management programs, and health risk assessments, are crucial for improving employee health. On-site vaccination clinics provide easy access to necessary immunizations, while chronic disease management offers ongoing support for conditions like diabetes. 

Health risk assessments help identify potential health concerns early, allowing for prompt intervention. Together, these programs contribute to a healthier and more efficient workforce. 

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15 Examples of Successful Corporate Wellness Programs from Across the World

1. Johnson & Johnson: Pioneers of Employee Wellness Programs

Wellness in general—let alone employee wellness—was barely a concept back in 1978 when Johnson & Johnson chairperson Jim Burke set out to make his company “the healthiest in the world.” Ahead of his time, Burke believed that unhealthy behaviors like smoking and overeating, along with conditions such as stress and hypertension, were costing his company billions of dollars in healthcare costs. 

Johnson & Johnson's Live for Life: Pioneering Employee Wellness Through Innovation

That year, Johnson & Johnson launched Live for Life, the longest-running employee wellness initiative in corporate history. The initial Live for Life pilot included onsite access to behavior modification tools and education on nutrition, stress management, and other wellness topics. 

Over the years, Johnson & Johnson has continued to lead the way on employee wellness, offering innovative benefits such as access to a resilience app, childcare support for new families, daily well-being reminders, and student loan coaching. 

How Johnson & Johnson’s Wellness Focus Drives Better Health Outcomes and Cost Savings

Noting in 2018 that the company was on track to engage 100,000 or more employees toward a personal best in health by 2020, the chief human resources officer pointed out that employees’ health stats (including obesity rates and triglyceride levels) were consistently below national averages. “Our healthcare costs in the U.S. are, on average, two to three percentage points lower than the costs most major corporations deal with on an annual basis,” he said. 

2. Tinder: Innovative Programs That Evolve

Who? Tinder is the world’s most popular social app for meeting new people. Users get to like or dislike other users and chat if both parties swipe to the right. 

Tinder’s Wellness Program 

For its employee wellness program, Tinder turned to Fitspot, a corporate wellness program provider or wellness solution revolution, as they call it. Elements of the program include: 
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• On-site weekly workouts on Monday evenings
• Monthly content to help employees make healthy decisions (through a newsletter, wellness posters, or an audio experience called Tune on Tuesdays)
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Content topics can be anything from healthy recipes to sleep management and the importance of mindfulness. Of course, the employees are being asked for feedback via surveys so that the company’s wellness program can adapt to their needs if necessary. 

3. Salesforce: A Commitment to Employee Wellness

Salesforce, a cloud-based software service, is known for its dedication to company culture and DEI. Salesforce is also committed to employee wellness. The company hosts on-site gyms, fitness classes, mindfulness and meditation rooms, and healthy eating options for office workers. 

During the day, employees are encouraged to take breaks and recharge. Showcasing these opportunities shows employees that the organization prioritizes its people and wants them to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

4. Accenture: Programs for Physical and Mental Well-Being

The world-renowned business management consultancy company cares about its employees’ physical and mental well-being. It offers Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which provide confidential support for a range of mental health issues, such as: 
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• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Substance abuse
  ‍

Teladoc services also provide employees access to a physician and answer any health-related questions 24/7. 

Accenture allows employees to set their own fitness goals for their physical fitness and well-being and gives rewards as incentives to fulfill those goals. The company even assists employees in achieving these goals by offering special rates and discounts at fitness centers and gyms and access to an online fitness program. 

5. Asana: Employee Naps Are Encouraged

At Asana, employees have the unique privilege of taking naps or power naps in their nap rooms. This unique wellness initiative allows them to recharge, rest, and reduce stress. 

To give employees even more opportunities to recharge and achieve a healthy work-life balance, Asana offers unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO). Conversely, the software company gives employees more active options for recharging their batteries with free yoga sessions and gym memberships. 

Innovative Wellness Practices at Asana: From Organic Meals to No-Meeting Wednesdays

They also have an in-house culinary team that provides three meals daily, using only fresh, nutritious produce from local organic farms. For career development, the company offers mentorship programs that feature free executive coaching and monthly workshops with health themes, such as debunking detox myths and an immunity-enhancing workshop conducted before the onset of flu season. Asana has a company policy that no meetings are held on Wednesdays. 

6. Microsoft: Health Programs and Classes Galore 

The world’s largest PC OS maker and one of the best gaming console manufacturers, Microsoft is no slouch regarding corporate wellness programs for its employees. Microsoft offers workers resources and information for health programs like: 
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• Smoking cessation
• Weight management
• Fitness training
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Microsoft funds employees’ gym memberships or fitness-related equipment and activity purchases while providing free Zumba classes, walking and running tracks, basketball, volleyball, and baseball courts, all within the Microsoft campus. Speaking of the Microsoft campus, it can be considered an all-in-one office and wellness center by itself. The campus boasts of: 
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• In-house clinics
• Optometrists
• Pharmacists
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Microsoft's Comprehensive Approach to Wellness: Health Screenings, Support Programs, and Community Building

Employees and spouses can be screened for illnesses like: 
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• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
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They can also have flu shots and mammograms taken onsite. Microsoft has an Employee Assistance Program called Microsoft CARES, which offers free personal counseling, family counseling, stress management programs, and child and elder care referrals. The company has onsite cafés that provide healthy dining options, including a “Real Easy Wellness” labeling system that assists employees in finding healthy food options. 

Besides cafés with healthy food, the Microsoft campus offers onsite grocery and dry-cleaning delivery. Finally, Microsoft has a mentorship program, employee source groups, networks, and social groups to build a sense of community and camaraderie among co-workers. 

7. Google: Offering Employees a Holistic Approach to Health

As part of its efforts to ensure high job satisfaction, the world’s biggest search engine company offers a holistic health and wellness program for its workers. This includes: 
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• Onsite healthcare
• A physician
• Chiropractic
• Physical therapy
• Massage services
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These include other wellness facilities like: 
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• Fitness centers
• Classes
• Community bikes
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Not to be outdone by different software companies’ skills development programs, Google provides its workers with various courses to develop more personal and professional skills. Employees can take: 
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• Cooking classes
• Coding classes
• Even guitar lessons
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Google's Holistic Wellness Approach: Nutrition, Financial Support, and Work-Life Balance

Meanwhile, the Google campus has micro kitchens and cafes with nutritious, color-coded meals and snacks. The cafes can pass out smaller plates to help employees with portion control. The company also empowers employees via financial wellness resources. 

Google gives its workers access to financial advisors and financial planning services. In addition to flexible hours, vacation time, and volunteer time, employees benefit from all this to have a good work-life balance. 

8. The City of Los Angeles: Not Your Typical Corporate Wellness Program

Surprisingly, an organization that has one of the best corporate wellness programs is not a private company. The city government of the state of Los Angeles offers a wide range of initiatives and programs that promote good physical and mental health. The City of LA offers workers fitness classes, fitness challenges, and personalized health goals and activities. 

Part of their health and wellness program includes: 
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• Healthy cooking demonstrations
• Health seminars and webinars 
• Wellness festivals 
• Community feeds/billboards for peer interactions 
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City of LA’s Comprehensive Wellness Support: Balancing Work, Family, and Mental Health

This fabulous city’s employees also enjoy other wellness programs like: 
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• Parenting
• Eldercare
• Legal
• Personal finance educational resources
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City employees can also enjoy travel support, event planning, or household service providers to help them with chores or day-to-day activities. For their mental health, the City of LA offers confidential counseling services, remote mental health providers, and, finally, an app that helps alleviate symptoms of: 
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• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
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9. Nike: World-Class Facilities to Keep Employees Healthy

Who? Nike, Inc. is an American multinational involved in: 
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• Designing
• Developing
• Manufacturing
• Marketing
• Selling: some text
  • Footwear
  • Apparel
  • Equipment
  • Accessories
  • Services
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Nike’s Wellness Program 

As expected from a company in the sportswear business, Nike, or at least its world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, has an impressive fitness center at the disposal of its employees. The ‘Bo Jackson Center’ boasts: 
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• Weight rooms
• Yoga studios
• Cross-training room
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On top of an indoor basketball court and a turf field, that is. Elsewhere on the 200-acre Nike campus, employees enjoy an Olympic-sized swimming pool and, believe it or not, a rock climbing wall. 

10. SpaceX: An In-House Masseuse to Relieve Employee Stress

Who? One of Elon Musk’s companies is the aerospace manufacturing and space transport services company. 

SpaceX’s Wellness Program 

This is not one of the most elaborate employee wellness program examples because it’s more of a perk than an actual program. It can considerably boost your employee’s health and wellness, so we wanted to mention it anyway. 

SpaceX employees get to enjoy the benefits of an in-house masseuse. That’s right, a masseuse. It is a great way to relieve stress, especially given the amount of pressure they are under and the long working hours. 

11. Hotjar: Invests in Employee Home Offices

Who? Hotjar gives its clients insights into how visitors use their website, collects user feedback, and helps visitors turn into customers. 

Hotjar’s Wellness Program 

Strictly speaking, this may differ from the typical examples of employee wellness programs. It may be more of an employee perk. A work-from-home (WFH) option could increase your employees’ (mental) health and wellness. As such, it fits perfectly in today’s post. Besides, having the right equipment at home, a good-sized screen, the correct type of chair, etc., is essential to prevent your staff from getting back, neck, or other issues. 

So, in fairness, Hotjar’s giving its employees 4000 euros to create their own home offices contributes to their mental health, wellness, and physical state. 

12. Netflix: An Unconventional Approach to Employee Time Off

Who? Netflix is one of the most popular online TV and film streaming platforms on which its content is created. 

Netflix’s Wellness Program 

Employee health and wellness is about more than just physical health. It’s about employees not having to worry when they’re about to become a new parent or need to take a day off to care for something happening in their personal lives. Or simply want to go on a well-deserved holiday. 

Needless to say, if your staff stresses about asking for time off, they’re probably not their happiest selves. This won’t make them their most productive or creative selves either. Netflix gets this. This is why the company offers its employees unlimited vacation and sick days and offers new moms and dads up to one year of paid time off (a rare thing in the US). 

13. Fitbit: Employee Wellness Starts With the Employees

Who? Fitbit produces activity trackers, wireless-enabled wearable technology that measures: 
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• A person’s steps
• Heart rate
• Sleep patterns and more

Fitbit’s Wellness Program 

For many companies, employee wellness and wearables go hand in hand. This is one of the reasons why Fitbit became the next big thing in corporate wellness. But how do they do employee wellness at Fitbit? Well, they use their tracker (obviously). 

The most active staff members—or should we say steppers?—receive rewards meant to get the less active employees moving. Through small, fun contests and rewards, the basic idea is to reduce:
 

• Sick days
• Illness
• Fatigue 
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With or without a wristband, we’d like to add. 

14. Patagonia: Employee Health Programs that Encourage Outdoor Time

Outdoor clothing company Patagonia offers employees a comprehensive health plan and time off, but it also encourages them to spend time outdoors. It hosts on-site and off-site yoga and offers an organic cafe at its office. Patagonia notably helps employees with financial stress by providing a 100% college tuition reimbursement and on-site childcare. 

15. American Express: Corporate Wellness Programs That Target Specific Issues

American Express is consistently recognized for its commitment to employee wellness, receiving honors from the Business Group on Health 11 years in a row. The company’s wellness offerings include: 
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• Free coaching
• Onsite and virtual fitness classes
• In-house wellness centers
• Mental health-centered 
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Healthy Minds Program

In 2012, the company’s wellness team became determined to take on one of the most common and expensive wellness issues in the American workplace: diabetes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, diabetes costs the U.S. workplace nearly a third of a trillion dollars in direct costs like hospitalization and medical care and indirect costs like increased absenteeism and reduced production. For its 2012 pilot program, American Express partnered with the non-profit Community Health Charities to roll out Healthy Living With Diabetes. 

Measurable Success: How Targeted Wellness Programs Improve Employee Health Metrics

The program included: 
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• Periodic blood sugar testing
• Webinars
• Learning sessions: some text
  • One-on-ones with medical professionals
  • Healthy living tools and resources
  • Online content, including videos and quizzes 
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The results were significant. By year three, several hundred employees had joined the program. Follow-up measurements found that 62% of participants had their blood sugar levels within a healthy range, and about half said they started an exercise program and lost weight because of the program.

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Improve Your Flexibility with Our Mobility App Today | Get 7 Days for Free on Any Platform

According to a study from the University of California, Los Angeles, or UCLA, “sitting is the new smoking.” Researchers found that prolonged sitting isn’t just bad for your health. It can also shorten your lifespan. If you sit all day, you’re not only increasing your risk for disease and illness, but you’re also likely to experience mobility issues and reduced flexibility. 

The good news? Pliability, a mobility training app that focuses on improving flexibility, can help you improve your range of motion and recover from the effects of prolonged sitting. 

Enhancing Athletic Performance with Mobility-Focused Wellness Apps

Pliability offers a fresh take on yoga tailored for performance-oriented individuals and athletes. Key features include:
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• A vast library of high-quality videos designed to improve flexibility, aid recovery, reduce pain, and enhance range of motion.
• Daily updated custom mobility programs for optimizing their health and fitness.
• A unique body-scanning feature to pinpoint mobility issues
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Whether you're limited by pain or movement restrictions, Pliability complements your fitness routine and helps you move better. 

Sign up today for a 7-day free trial on iPhone, iPad, Android, or via our website to improve flexibility, aid recovery, reduce pain, and enhance range of motion with our mobility app.

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