Creating a culture of health at work has become a priority for organizations across the world. The increasing awareness of work-life challenges has led to better conversations about how companies can support their employees in both places. As more organizations ask “what is workplace wellness,” the answer is evolving.
Definition of Workplace Wellness
The Global Wellness Institute answers the question what is workplace wellness with this explanation:
“Any workplace health promotion activity or organizational policy designed to support healthy behavior among employees and to improve health outcomes. Known as ‘corporate wellbeing’ outside the US, it can consist of diverse activities such as on-site health education/fairs; free medical screenings; health coaching; weight loss, stress management and smoking cessation programs; wellness communiques, on-site fitness programs and facilities; health club memberships, on-site kitchens and healthy food options, company wellness competitions; mobile and Web-based education and social platforms; and financial and other incentives for participation. Workplace wellness has been expanded over the past decade to encompass the creation of a ‘culture of health’ within the worksite.”
Included in this description is consideration for the wide range of support companies can provide to their employees to support their wellbeing. Workplace wellness is no longer about physical health support alone as was once the case. Instead, employee wellness programs now encompass support for the whole person.
Inclusions in workplace wellness programming
Good workplace wellness programs provide holistic health support to their employees. Offerings may include resources that equip employees with a range of support for their physical, mental, financial, social, environmental, spiritual, cultural, career, and community wellbeing. The top corporate wellness programs are both holistic and creative in their approach to workplace wellness.
Changes in workplace wellness
The impact of the pandemic can’t be ignored. The best workplaces understand this and are responding to it. Employee support and wellness programs must now address the demands of the workforce for assistance in some of these key areas:
- Financial support
- Mental health support
- Flexibility in the workplace
- Occupational support
- Social health and connection
Resilience training has also risen to the top of the list of significant ways organizations can support employees as they continue to show signs of burnout. Recognizing the signs and responding with support services is a key need for workplace wellness programming. Managers are especially at risk of burnout and require special attention to prevent burnout. Regardless of title or rank, employees need to know how to build their resilience to reduce burnout and prevent them from becoming another statistic in the great resignation.
Next Steps in Workplace Wellness
Implementing a workplace wellness solution your employees can stick to is an uphill battle for most organizations. BetterYou offers a good next step to boost engagement, collaboration, and company culture. With a retention rate that is 2x better than other programs, BetterYou helps improve your team’s mental health, focus them on important goals, and help them spend time on the things that matter most to them by supporting their holistic wellbeing.When employees are healthier, they are more productive and engaged every day.
If you’re looking for the next workplace wellness solution for your employees, introduce them to a program they will love. Reach out to see how BetterYou can make a difference in your organization!
