Why Corporate Wellness Programs Are Worth the Investment: A Comprehensive Guide

Why Your Company/Business Needs Wellness Programs

All successful 500 Fortune companies prioritize their employee wellness programs.

They know that their employees are the backbone of their businesses- every operation depends on them. Smart companies have certain workplace wellness programs that keep their employees fit, healthy, calm, and satisfied. They know that investing in employees’ wellness is not an expense; it’s an investment.

Who does not want to see their business grow, progress, and succeed?

We all do. That’s why you are here. You also know corporate wellness programs are a proven way to get your business to the next level.

So what is included in a comprehensive employee workplace program?

In this blog, I will cover everything you need to know about corporate workplace wellness programs. These are tried-and-tested programs that I have coached business owners to help them implement in their workplaces.

The Relation Between EAPs (Employee Assistant Programs) and EWPs (Employee Wellness Programs)

Before discussing the programs, I want to clarify the core difference between EAPs and EWPs. Most people get confused or use both interchangeably. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and Employee Wellness Programs (EWPs) support employee well-being differently.

EAPs are reactive. They provide confidential support when employees face mental health issues, resilience challenges, or personal crises. EAPs are crucial for addressing immediate problems and helping employees navigate tough times.

EWPs are proactive. They aim to prevent issues by promoting overall well-being. EWPs focus on physical health, productivity, and employee engagement. These programs are preventative plans that include fitness initiatives, healthy eating plans, and activities that boost morale.

Both EAPs and EWPs are essential. EAPs step in when problems arise. EWPs work continuously to create a healthy, productive work environment. Together, they form a comprehensive approach to employee wellness. So, to ensure your employees have the support they need in crisis and everyday life, you should focus on both programs.

Corporate Employee Workplace Wellness Programs That You Must Know

Workplace wellness programs can transform your boring, dull, and unproductive workplace into a productive and healthy one. A place where your staff is cooperative, kind, loyal, and honest about their work.

I’ve divided all the workplace programs into four major categories: 1) mental and emotional wellness, 2) remote and hybrid employee wellness, 3) physical wellness, and 4) financial wellness.

Let’s take a closer look at each category below:

1. Emotional and Mental Health Wellness

I have seen no better remedy to increase focus, productivity, and engagement than emotional and mental wellness programs.

They have primarily two major benefits;

Improve behavioral attitude
Increase job satisfaction

You can focus on the following sub-programs for a comprehensive emotional and mental wellness initiative.

a) Stress management and resilience building

Stress management and resilience-building programs equip employees with the tools to handle workplace pressures effectively. These programs include;

Workshops on coping strategies
Relaxation techniques
Resilience training

If your employees know how to manage stress, they can better maintain their performance levels, avoid burnout, and stay motivated. This proactive approach improves individual well-being and enhances team dynamics and overall company performance.

b) Mental health awareness

A recent survey by WHO shows that 76% of US workers reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition. Another research study shows that 1 out of 4 employees claim that their mental health issues are due to the workplace culture.

To save your business, you have to raise mental health awareness and provide open access to mental health resources. These actions are non-negotiable for the strength of your workforce.

To execute your mental and emotional wellness program successfully, you can include the following;

Educational sessions on mental health topics.
Promote a stigma-free environment.
Offer resources such as counseling services and mental health hotlines.
Open access to mental health resources.

Make sure that your employees can seek help without fear of judgment. This will lead to early intervention and better mental health outcomes. This support system will also help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression among employees.

c) Work-life balance

Work-life balance sounds cliche, but there must be some boundaries between personal and professional life. If your employees constantly think about work when they are home or always think about their home while at work, there is a problem.

You must address it and educate your employees on balancing professional and personal life. To support work-life balance, consider flexible working hours, remote work options, and policies that support regular breaks and paid vacations.

2. Remote and Hybrid Employee Wellness

The mode of working has significantly changed after COVID-19. Many times, I’ve noticed that business owners/employers, while thinking about initiating a wellness program, forget to consider the working mode of their employees. Hybrid (those who can work from home and office) and remote employees have different needs and demands than on-site/physical employees.

You must be more conscious and careful while devising a wellness program for them.

The two most important factors that make a remote and hybrid employee wellness program successful are mentioned below.

a) Flexible work arrangements

Flexible work arrangements mean your employees can complete their jobs/tasks however they want. That does not mean that they will violate work policies. They are still bound to follow work SOPs and standards.

For instance, these arrangements include;

Flexible working hours
Compressed workweeks with comparable productivity
Ability to choose one’s work location
Job sharing and flextime

Flexibility reduces work-related stress and increases job satisfaction. It also accommodates different work styles and time zones, promoting productivity and engagement.

b) Assist your employees with home office equipment

A proper work office with all the necessary equipment is essential. It improves focus, reduces discomfort, and increases overall job performance.

If you have a remote or hybrid team, ensure they have access to ergonomic furniture, reliable technology, and necessary office supplies. This support helps create a comfortable and productive work environment, reducing the risk of physical strain and improving efficiency. Offering stipends or direct provision of equipment demonstrates a company’s commitment to its employees’ well-being.

Remote teams can be highly beneficial and productive if you manage them the right way.

3. Physical Wellness

Your employees are working 8 hours a day. That’s 40+ hours/week if you have five-day weeks and 280+ hours a month. That’s a lot of work. They are constantly glued to their desks and screens. Burnout in such a situation is a regular thing. That’s why your employees always look forward to the weekend and continually feel like taking a day off.

If you are an empathetic leader, you would not want your talented employees to burn out, get exhausted, and eventually leave your company.

What’s the solution, then?

You can make your worker’s life easy by incorporating physical wellness programs. Below are some of the best physical well-being programs that you can implement.

a) Nutritional and balanced diet (no fast foods in lunch breaks and avoid snacks)

Productivity, focus, and work potential highly depend on what we eat. It’s a natural science. If you have an 8-hour work shift, that means your staff will have at least one meal in the office. This means you need to be conscious and aware of what options you’re providing them if you have a cafeteria.

Provide healthy meal options and discourage fast foods and snacks.

A nutrient-full and balanced diet will boost employees’ energy levels and help them stay focused and productive. If you don’t offer meals, educate your staff about the importance of healthy eating. You can offer workshops or healthy eating plans through me. You can also offer meal planning specific to their individualized needs by using a Hair Mineral test under a provided healthcare plan or HSA/FSA.

A balanced diet is responsible for overall health, reducing the risk of illness and improving mental clarity.

b) Health and fitness programs (virtual if the team is remote)

I have seen that because of regular sitting work, workers don’t get time to move their bodies. This destroys their physical health and adds to stress levels in the body.

That’s why health and fitness programs are vital for maintaining physical wellness.

Offer on-site or virtual fitness classes, gym memberships, and wellness challenges. These programs help employees stay active and fit. Regular physical activity boosts mood and increases energy levels. It also breeds a sense of community among employees.

c) Comfortable working clothes (especially if your organization has a dress code)

Comfortable clothes make it so much easier to work. Many employers don’t consider this or are ignorant regarding a relaxed dress code.

If your employees are supposed to wear a specific dress code to work for you, ensure uniforms are made from breathable, flexible, and natural materials.

For remote employees, encourage dress codes that prioritize comfort over formality. Comfortable clothing reduces physical discomfort and allows employees to focus better on their tasks. It also reflects a company culture that values employee well-being over rigid formalities.

Win-win.

d) Healthy team competitions and challenges to keep your employees fit.

Healthy team competitions and challenges are excellent for promoting fitness and camaraderie. Organize activities like step challenges, sports events, or wellness competitions. They could even do events that challenge their physical fitness as teams to create a supportive team

These initiatives motivate employees to stay active while facilitating teamwork and friendly competition. They provide a fun way to encourage physical activity and nurture a supportive community focused on health and wellness.

4. Financial Wellness

According to CNBC, finances are the top stressors for employees. Even workers who are paid $100k a year live paycheck to paycheck. Another report shows that 56% of workers spend (on average) three to four hours per week thinking about personal finance.

How can you mitigate these financial problems as an employer?

I have mentioned some programs below.

a) Financial education

Financial mismanagement is one of the leading causes of disturbed finances. Your employees simply don’t know how to manage their pay, what to prioritize, where to invest, and how to save.

So, they need education to make informed decisions about their finances.

For this purpose, you can offer workshops, seminars, or online courses on budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Financial literacy programs help employees build financial stability and confidence, reducing stress related to money matters.

Employees who feel financially secure are more likely to be productive and satisfied with their jobs.

b) Pay them on time and give them bonuses for jobs well done

For the love of business, never delay your employees’ salaries.

Give timely payments and performance-based bonuses. Prompt and fair compensation builds trust and demonstrates that the company values its employees’ contributions. Bonuses provide extra motivation and reward employees for their dedication, enhancing morale and retention.

c) Paid emergency holidays

Life gets the best of us at times. We fall sick, face hard times, and experience emergencies. As a kind employer, you can make your employees’ lives easier by offering paid emergency holidays. This support allows employees to handle crises without the added stress of financial strain.

Paid emergency holidays show that the company cares about employees’ well-being. This benefit enhances job satisfaction and loyalty, contributing to overall organizational success.

Are Corporate Wellness Programs Worth the Investment?

Wellness programs are worth every penny.

Here are the 4 ways wellness programs help you save money;

One of the most immediate benefits is improved productivity. Healthy employees are more focused, energetic, and efficient. They take fewer sick days. You get your work done more smoothly for the pay you are providing.
Wellness programs improve employee retention and recruitment. Companies that prioritize wellness are seen as desirable places to work. Your talented employees feel valued and are more likely to stay long-term. This reduces turnover costs and helps attract top talent in a competitive job market.
These programs reduced healthcare costs. By promoting healthy habits and early detection of potential health issues, wellness programs can lower the incidence of chronic diseases and costly medical treatments. This translates into lower insurance premiums and fewer out-of-pocket expenses for the company and its employees.
These programs foster a positive workplace culture. Activities and initiatives that promote health and well-being create a sense of community and support. Employees who feel supported and valued are more engaged and motivated.

Wellness programs are not an expense; they are a profitable investment.

Start Participating and Promoting Your Employee Wellness Programs

The world works on give and take policy. You care for your employees; your employees care for you and your business. These wellness programs do just that—they help you better take care of your employees and improve their lives.

Hair Analysis and Wellness Programs

If you want your employees to do better for you, take the first step and initiate one of the abovementioned programs. First, determine what you need and what your purpose is. If you need clarification and need some help in evaluating your programs, contact me, so I can help you figure this out.

By offering and using Hair Analysis as a tool to dial into your employee’s deepest level of health, you can help them make real change. We can work on all of the levels mentioned above to give you a more productive, engaged, and happy employee.