Wellness Programs at Work
Wellness programs are becoming more and more popular in organizations today. Employers are starting to realize the connection between healthy employees and happy employees. Having healthy and happy employees lead to increased productivity, reduced sick leave, reduced health care costs and higher talent retention. It is true that implementing a wellness program for employees will require time and money, but the investment will be worth it.
Here is a list of some ideas for wellness programs at your organization:
Nutrition and Health Programs
Nutrition and health programs give you an opportunity to address dietary choices with your employees. There are a few ways you can go about this. One way is to hire a nutritionist to come in and act as a wellness counselor to meet with employees once a week or month to discuss healthy diet options. You can also subscribe to receive monthly health and nutrition newsletters sent to all your employees’ emails. If you want to give your employees some more interaction, you can opt for a more social approach. Set up a health fair within your organization, have people there to talk about nutrition and pass out informational packets to employees to home with them. Try other group activities like signing up for a healthy cooking class or join a weight–loss group, check into group discounts.
Mental Health and Stress Management Programs
The workplace can be a breeding ground for stress; deadlines to make, pressure to meet rising expectations, fear of layoffs can increase anybody’s level of stress. When employees feel overwhelmed it impacts their confidence and mood and can lead to physical and emotional health problems. To prevent stress from hindering employee performance, implement an employee rewards program. Offer compensated time off for a job well done. Time away from the office is a great incentive and also lets employees know that you value the importance of home life as well as work. You can also pass out information to employees to help them understand and deal with stress.
Fitness Programs
Offer fitness facilities on-site to make it convenient for employees to work out. Working out doesn’t just help physically, but it also helps to relieve stress. When employees feel better physically and mentally, absenteeism will decrease. If you don’t have the budget or the room for an on-site facility you can hire a personal trainer to work with your employees. Look into group sessions with trainers at your local gyms. Trainers can lead employees through a bunch of different activities which include, exercise boot camps, Spin class, yoga or Pilates.
Social Outreach
Why not establish a wellness program with activities that directly benefit your community or a charitable organization. Pick a social outreach program that employees will be interested in and that fits the organizational culture. Activities could involve planting trees for the community or participating in a run/walk or bicycle ride for a cause. Whichever social program you decide on to make your wellness program successful; you and your management team need to stay positive, enthusiastic and supportive.
Category: Employee Wellness
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