More than half (52 percent) of businesses in the United States offer a corporate wellness program. Most of these companies have also seen remarkable results among their employees since they started encouraging health-promoting behaviors.
Have you been on the fence about starting an employee wellness program? If so, this guide is for you.
Below, we’re breaking down some of the most significant benefits of prioritizing your team’s well-being. Let’s get started!
Increased Health-Promoting Behaviors
Your employees likely know the benefits of engaging in health-promoting behaviors like exercising regularly or drinking more water. However, they might also have difficulty getting motivated to incorporate these behaviors into their daily routines.
Starting a corporate wellness program helps your employees set specific, health-related goals like walking a certain number of steps per day or spending a particular amount of time meditating. It also provides regular reminders and incentives, encouraging them to stick to and achieve their goals.
Reduced Health Risks
A company wellness program is associated with reduced health risks, including elevated blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
One study with over 300 participants showed that after partaking in a wellness program for just six weeks, employees saw significant improvements in their blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
Those who maintained their new, health-promoting behaviors also saw sustained improvements for up to 18 months after starting the program. These results illustrate the long-term benefits of regular exercise and healthy eating.
Lower Healthcare Costs
If the idea of healthier employees isn’t enough to motivate you to start a wellness program, perhaps learning about the cost savings of these programs will give you an extra push.
Think about it. What happens when your employees maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and have better blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels?
They’re probably going to go to the doctor less often. They’ll also require fewer medications and medical interventions.
These outcomes mean lower healthcare costs for you!
Need more proof that wellness programs save money? Look at Johnson & Johnson.
A four-year study revealed that the company’s health and wellness program reduced medical costs by roughly $225 per employee per year.
Better Mental Health
Many corporate wellness programs include additional elements that improve mental health, such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness exercises — and for a good reason.
The link between improved physical health and improved mental health is well-documented.
Regular exercise and healthy eating can enhance brain health and cognitive function, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve sleep.
Enhanced Productivity
A Health Enhancement Research Organization survey showed that over 90 percent of business leaders had seen a connection between increased wellness and improved productivity and performance.
It’s not hard to understand this connection. After all, if your employees feel better, they will likely be more engaged and productive.
Employees who take care of their health and wellness won’t need to take as many breaks throughout the day. They’ll also have an easier time staying focused and getting things done accurately and on time.
Reduced Absenteeism
Employees aren’t only more productive when they’re healthy. They also take fewer days off.
When your employees take less time off because they’re physically sick, struggling with their mental health, etc., they’re naturally more productive and have an easier time meeting deadlines.
Reduced absences also ensure the workload is split evenly across the entire team. In other words, a few employees aren’t left picking up others’ slack.
Easier Employee Recruitment and Retention
When you offer a robust employee wellness program, it’s easier to attract great employees.
Eighty-seven percent of employees say they consider a company’s wellness offerings when deciding where to work. If you show job seekers that you care about their health and well-being, they’ll be more likely to choose your company over one of your competitors.
It’s not enough to attract talented people to your team. You also need to keep them on board. A wellness program improves employee retention rates.
One study revealed that employees who participated in a wellness program were 1.5 times more likely to keep working for their employer, 2.9 times more likely to recommend their employer, and 3.3 times more likely to be proud to work for their employer.
Improved Workplace Morale
All of these benefits can also lead to improved morale among your employees. If employees are physically and mentally healthy, engaged, and productive, they’ll likely be happier on the job, too.
Happy employees create a more positive, uplifting environment and a better company culture (which 46 percent of job seekers say is “very important” when choosing where to work).
Launch Your Corporate Wellness Program Today
Why have a wellness program? Lots of reasons!
A wellness program can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and boost morale across the entire company.
If you need help improving employee wellness at your business, check out BetterYou. This convenient app assists with goal-setting, progress tracking, and long-term behavior change.
Contact us today to learn more!
