While corporate wellness programs are not new, innovative ideas, in recent years, they have been exploding in popularity. For example, Johnson & Johnson launched one of the first corporate wellness programs in 1979, and now, according to a report sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more than 80% of companies in the U.S. with more than 50 employees offer some variation of corporate wellness incentives.
The rise in popularity of these programs can be attributed to five key factors:
1. Improved employee health, leading to less absenteeism and lower health insurance costs.
Harvard Business School determined that among American-based companies that invested in wellness programs, employee medical expenses decreased by $3.27 for every $1 spent on wellness programs.
2. Buy-in from the C-suite leading to more widespread adoption and support.
Corporate wellness programs are now much more widely accepted by C-suite professionals, leading to more support to keep these initiatives in place. Seeing as it’s seen as less of a fad and more of a workplace necessity, employers realize the importance of offering corporate wellness benefits.
3. Employee satisfaction resulting in higher retention of key workers.
Employees generally have higher job satisfaction when an employer offers a corporate wellness program. Also, happy employees tend to stay with organizations longer.
4. The transition to more holistic health, rather than a focus on fitness.
Many employers have seen the benefits of offering mental health programs for employees. For instance, addiction resources, stress management and more. Corporate wellness programs initially addressed physical fitness, but now most incorporate mental wellbeing as well.
5. Healthy behaviors resulting in higher productivity.
Due to implementing healthier habits like quitting smoking and more mindful eating, employees often become more active. As a result, they have higher cognitive abilities, which ultimately help to improve productivity and quality of work.
In today’s economy, companies need to compete to attract and retain top talent. So, offering a corporate wellness program is one way to help provide a more positive work environment, leading to happier, healthier employees.
BetterYou is a digital coach that helps employers implement and maintain a strategic corporate wellness program. Employees can design their own program with wellness incentives, leaving employers to do what they need to do—run a successful business.
Ready to learn more? Request a BetterYou demo, and see how it can help maximize your corporate wellness program.
