The Benefits of Starting an Employee Wellness Program

There’s a popular new trend in human resources and it looks like it’s here to stay. Employee wellness programs are becoming increasingly common among top employers—and for a number of good reasons.

Healthy employees are both happier and more productive. By providing a few simple offerings to encourage your staff to live healthier lifestyles, your entire workplace can benefit.

Related: Elements of an Effective and Efficient Employee Onboarding Program

Different wellness programs include everything from subsidized healthy lunches to fitness education to a company gym. It’s all about finding what works for your organization and your employees.

But how will this benefit my workplace?

The benefits to employers are fairly obvious. First of all, employees that take care of themselves are far less likely to rack up healthcare costs and miss work for health reasons. This means a more productive team and less sick days.

Almost all people have a health risk of some kind—whether it’s lack of sleep, drinking or smoking, unhealthy eating or insufficient amounts of exercise. Implementing a wellness program is a great way to initiate positive change in your workplace. Think of it as creating a company culture of health and wellness.

Moreover, workplace wellness programs can also help you and the other members of your company’s management team stay healthy. Research shows that professionals with stressful, high-pressure jobs have a tendency develop long-term health problems. Use this as an opportunity to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself as well.

Another great benefit of wellness programs is the sense of camaraderie among co-workers that it produces. Giving your employees the chance to take part in non-work-related activities together—a sports team, a walking club, a workout group—helps form bonds among your team members. Social support is an extremely important part of developing healthy lifestyle habits, and fostering good relationships between co-workers can also help create an even happier work environment.

For more information on starting an employee wellness program, or for help finding your next employee, contact Sparks Group today!