Workplace wellness programs are becoming more widespread in the industry and companies are more proficient in its use,
best practice health promotion is becoming increasingly popular. This is also reinforced by the increase in the health care cost and the rise in the workers' compensation coverage.
These programs range from simply offering health awareness leaflets to workers, to subsidized healthy lunches, fitness training, and a company gym.
Employees are the most valuable assets to any company.
Here is why workplace wellness programs should matter to you.
The benefits for employers are obvious. They provide the company with strategic advantages by investing money in a program that will hopefully bring them lowered expenses in return:
Workplace wellness program can do the following:
• Reduce absenteeism: It has been shown healthier employees spend fewer days away from work due to illness, saving the company thousands, even millions, of dollars on down time and temporary employment.
• Control Increasing Health Care Costs: Today, employers have a vested interest in health-related issues and reducing unnecessary medical costs that consume corporate profits and employee pay checks.
• Improve Productivity: While it is not as easily measured as the increase in health care costs, improved employee morale and productivity plays a big role in the success of a company or business.
• Improve Presenteeism: Presenteeism is a new phenomenon occurring when employees are at work but do not feel as productive as usual due to stress, depression, injury or illness.
• Reduce Injuries: Healthy employees with less risk factors are at a lower risk for injury than those unhealthy employees with more risk factors. Classes are a popular means of trying to prevent injury, including exercise classes, smoking cessation courses, back care programs and stress management lectures.
• Improve Employee Morale and Retention: Employee turnover is expensive and an employee wellness program is an added benefit to encourage employee retention. Company sponsored workplace wellness programs send a clear message to employees that management values their well-being.
Benefit to employees:
The ultimate goal of an employee wellness program is lifestyle change. The program encourages the employee to make better choices regarding his health. The health benefits to an employee for completing a wellness program are many.
So why should you, as an employee, take advantage of a workplace wellness program? Every person has some sort of health risk to varying degrees, whether it’s unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or sleep, drinking, smoking, or even something genetic. Using a program can make positive change happen. Not only will you be more able to complete your job responsibilities, but you will have more energy and vigour to give to your family and friends when you get home.
Workplace wellness programs can help you get healthier, even if that simply means learning how to reduce stress and muscle strain when you are on the job. Depending on what your company offers, it might also help to lose weight, lower your cholesterol and blood pressure. Sometimes, all you need is a little motivation to get the ball rolling and a workplace wellness plan might be it.
Another benefit of workplace wellness programs is a built sense of friendship with your co-workers. You’ll have a chance to experience activities with them that aren’t related to work, whether in a walking club or sports team, by having lunch together, or by going to the gym. Social support is a very important part of weight loss and getting fit. By interacting with co-workers, you’ll have others to give you encouragement when you need it, as well as to hold you accountable to your goals. Plus, you’ll be motivated by seeing other’s positive results. By using a wellness program, you’ll be an important part of the team.
So, it is a great opportunity to participate in such a program if your employer offered one.
