How do wellness activities benefit the workplace?

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) “2015 Employee Benefits” research report, 70% of U.S. employers currently offer a general wellness program. That number is up from 58% in 2008, when SHRM first surveyed companies on preventative health and wellness benefits. In addition, according to a RAND Corporation study, every $1 invested in overall wellness efforts yields a return on investment of $1.50. Return on Investment in the form of better performing workers, and lower absenteeism and health care costs.

The welfare of employees has a direct impact on the success of a company.
Employees are the most valuable assets. By providing workers with wellness services, companies are improving the wellbeing and job satisfaction of its employees, and in turn, raising retention rates.

We all experience some sort of health challenge to one degree or another, whether it’s unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise, sleep deprivation, smoking, drinking, chronic stress, or something genetic. When we engage in wellness activities, workers can make positive change happen. This not only benefits the company they work for but also their personal relationships.

Workplace wellness offerings can support workers in their journey to get healthy. This could be through learning stress reduction/management techniques, eating more nutrient-dense foods, moving the body throughout the day, managing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, or sleeping better.

One of the most valuable benefits I’ve experienced with sharing wellness offerings is the camaraderie that forms amongst the workers. I’ve often heard conversations after a session where workers will get together and make lunch dates to walk around the building or take stretch breaks or book walking meetings from time-to-time. By using a wellness offering, it can become an important part of the team dynamic.

Create a culture of health where the message to employees is that the busiest times are when it’s most critical to eat well, sleep well, move well, stress well.