Wellness programs are becoming a more and more popular benefit employers are offering to employees and it’s not just out of altruism. Employers are interested in programs that improve an employee’s physical and mental health, which studies have shown can increase productivity, decrease absenteeism and make a company more successful overall. Wellness programs like these can also reduce the cost of employee benefits programs as healthy employees use them less.
Wellness programs are just the latest example in the world of work where the interests of a business and its workers converge. However, not all wellness programs are created equal. Here are top five wellness programs you should initiate right away and start enjoying the benefits of a better company.
Fitness Centres in Your Office
This might be the most popular and useful of any possible program you could offer. It’s obviously difficult to implement for many businesses, but if you can, it is definitely worth your while. Employees consider it a huge perk to not have to drive to the gym, which boosts recruitment and retention, and also keeps them healthy and more productive.
Smoking Cessation Programs
Everyone knows that smoking has an adverse effect on health and wellness. People who smoke will also cost their employers more because of the related health issues. So many workplaces have implemented smoking cessation programs as a way to help their employees quit. The best programs don’t only provide pharmacological assistance, but also lifestyle coaching.
Yoga
Yoga is a great at relieving stress and all you need is a bit of space to do it, whether it’s in the break room, conference room or anywhere. It can especially useful at companies where there are a lot of tight deadlines, giving stressed employees the ability to unwind and feel better.
Transit Options
Supporting different transit choices for employees coming to work is another great option. Offering onsite amenities like bicycle parking, showers and reimbursement for public transit or bike expenses can be a great way to recruit employees who value environment responsibility. People who cycle to work also get the added benefit of exercise, so enabling this activity is in everyone’s interest.
Food
This is another example of how Google raised the bar for employee wellness, offering catered lunches and healthy snacks to all employees. Available food options can be a huge perk as everyone needs to eat and sometimes nearby options for lunch are less than ideal. You can also offer breakfast, which can help hurried commuters have a bit more time for rest in the morning.