Incredible employees make businesses successful. They can also pour so much of their energy into the workplace that their health and performance fall apart. Learning about why wellness programs are a good investment for companies could motivate you to create one for your team. They may start feeling better, help the planet and push your business to new levels of success.
1. Employees Become More Productive
People can only give their all for so long. When they push themselves through exhaustion and illness, business-wide productivity suffers. Research shows that employee burnout causes $322 billion in lost productivity and turnover when left unchecked. Making up that revenue could result in overtime hours, which makes your office consume more electricity than a standard workweek. The planet and employees suffer together.
A wellness program motivates people to slow down, recognize how burnout manifests in their bodies and do what’s best for them with the support of their employer. You could create a rewards program that gives time off to employees who feel exhausted, irritated or on edge due to burnout, so they can return to work as their most productive selves.
2. Morale Could Improve
When company leaders implement wellness programs, they show that they care about their employees as human beings. You demonstrate that you’ll invest in your team’s well-being because they’re not cogs in your professional machine. Team morale could improve afterward, especially when people participate in extra on-the-clock breaks without worrying about it counting against their commitment to the business.
3. Healthcare Costs May Shrink
America ranks near the top of worldwide costs for health care services. Employees and the companies covering their insurance premiums pay high medical fees, which could become less of a problem if everyone’s well-being improves.
Wellness programs are a good investment for companies because they reduce everyone’s stress. They may get sick less often if they’re mentally and physically healthier. Strategies like providing mental health days alongside traditional paid time off (PTO) could cost less in the long term.
4. People Appreciate the Company Values
When people look for new jobs, they choose employers based on company values as much as factors like pay rates and benefits. Wellness programs show that prioritizing employee well-being is a core motivation. After people see that in action through flexible hybrid schedules or in-office meditation sessions, your business builds a better reputation as an employer and public company.
5. The Planet Might Also Benefit
Workplace well-being can align with your sustainable values. You might improve everyone’s dietary options by upgrading the snacks provided in your shared kitchen. Add a compost bin while you’re improving your culinary options. They could toss compostable packaging or food scraps into it to reduce your company’s landfill contributions.
Local composting companies, like trash or recycling services, could pick up your collection on a custom schedule. The collected materials can also remain in the freezer to reduce odors between pickups. People will benefit from the healthier foods while you reduce how much your company adds to local landfills.
6. Absenteeism May Disappear
You likely have personal experience with the many reasons people take time off from work. If you’re too stressed, sick, tired or at your wits’ end, a day off is necessary to recharge. Wellness programs reduce those factors that make people unplug from the workplace.
Your team might clock in more reliably because they have the mental and physical stamina to manage their responsibilities. Simple program ideas like having a virtual therapist available for free can pay for themselves in the long run by reducing PTO checks or drops in productivity.
Enjoy the Benefits of a Professional Wellness Program
Wellness programs are a good investment for companies. Your employees might feel more capable of handling their workloads because they’ll feel healthier, less stressed and freer to rest. You could also help the planet while building a better brand reputation. The outcomes depend on the program you start and how much your team enjoys it.
