Why? Previously offered as an employee perk and known as corporate fitness programs, workplace wellness programs are now common in small to mid-size organizations seeking to improve the health and well-being of employees. A company wellness program is often part of the benefits package offered to all employees.

Because employee well-being supports an organization’s first priority of production, employers now find great benefit in developing and providing in-house wellness programs. The gains to production far outweigh the effort expended. Some of the benefits include:

• Offering a wellness program shows in a concrete way that an employee is valued and cared about as an individual.
• Improved employee health behaviors leads to improved employee health.
• Healthier employees are naturally more productive.
• Emphasis on employee well-being often translates to improved employee engagement.
• Elevating health of employees and minimizing stress via a well executed wellness program can boost morale and reduce absenteeism.
• A healthier workforce results in reduced healthcare costs.
• Participation in company wellness programs supports teamwork across all facets of company life.
• Workplace wellness programs are increasingly important to prospective employees.

How? Incorporating a wellness program in your organization isn’t as simple as starting a company softball league. True, taking part in the games is a form of exercise, and exercise is healthy, but does it meet employees where they are with an activity that meets their particular wellness needs? Better to ask employees what would be useful to them personally. Are they facing specific health issues? Is stress a major factor in their lives? Is someone struggling with anxiety or depression? Are there health goals they’re looking to achieve, i.e. weight loss, proper diet, smoking cessation?

Coalesce the various responses and map a way forward with one or two of the most sought after activities. If you have the budget and manpower, incorporate as many of the wellness activities you can.

Consider the needs and benefits of elements as diverse as health education, fitness classes, team sports, stress management programs, and social activities. Programs can include online, offsite, and onsite classes and activities.

An organization doesn’t need to reinvent the wellness wheel, so to speak. There’s a wealth of information available about implementation ideas, and what resonates with employees in various situations.

The important thing to do is to consider the value to both your organization and your employees. Improving employee health physically, mentally, and socially benefits everyone. When an employee, whether prospective or currently in place, feels valued as more than a means to an end, as an individual with needs as well as skills, that employee is more likely to take or keep a position. An employee that feels valued will produce more and better product and interact more effectively and positively within an organization.

Considering the well-being of your employees is a most definite win-win.

At Specialized Staffing & Industry Recruiters we believe knowledge is power. Our positive experience with caring about employee wellness in our own organization leads us to share this growing trend in the employment landscape.

Article written by Miriam Heilman