As an employer, you have the ability to set the tone of the workplace culture and steer your employees towards choosing a healthier lifestyle and be happier. One of the ways to do this is to adopt a wellness strategy that benefits your employees, your business, as well as the community at large. An employee wellness program can be defined as a set of activities and interventions offered by the workplace with the primary aim to improve the health and well-being of the employees. 

 

As per a survey conducted in 2018 across sectors such as FMCG, media, IT/ITeS, and real estate, etc., adopting a wellness program can help Indian companies to save up to $20 billion on account of reduced absenteeism of the employees. Another survey reports that for every dollar spent on employee wellness programs, there is a reduction in medical costs by $3.27 and absenteeism by $ 2.73.

 

Pioneering a healthy, happy, and stress-free work environment can help you to transform your company. Here are some of the key reasons why employee wellness programs should feature as part of your growth strategy:

 

Increases productivity of the employees

A productive workforce is crucial for the success of your business. If your employees are not fit, both physically and mentally, their productivity is bound to suffer. Studies have suggested that offering wellness programs are a great way of improving the productivity of the employees. This ensures that they complete the tasks assigned to them and are motivated to perform better. 

Increase in employee engagement 

Engaged employees are committed and enthusiastic about work which makes them a great asset for the organization. If you are looking for ways to boost employee engagement, it is time to turn your focus towards effective employee wellness programs. The wellness programs go a long way in ensuring that employees feel part of a community instead of just another laborer in a factory. It helps the employees to have stronger relationships at work, reduce stress, and enhance their mental well-being. Employees feel more motivated to perform better at work and have a high sense of self-worth. 

Improves talent retention

The strength of a good organization lies in attracting the best talent in the market and retaining it. When you introduce a comprehensive wellness program, it reassures your employees that you care. When your employees feel valued in the organization, they are less likely to quit.  It also helps to boost your corporate image and visibility which in turn attracts high-quality employees from the market.

Creates a positive environment for all

In the age of cut-throat competition, it is important to foster a positive work culture so that employees feel empowered and respected. Wellness programs in the workplace is an excellent way to foster positive social connections that results in the optimum performance of your employees. In the long run, a positive workplace not only helps your employees but also results in higher client satisfaction.

Reduces health care costs 

Wellness programs result in employees adopting healthier habits. Such employees are less likely to fall prey to a host of chronic lifestyle-related disorders.  It also helps the employees with high-risk factors to make the right choices to enhance their quality of life. The lowered health risks result in a reduction of health insurance claims filed by the employees, especially for the conditions that are preventable.

Conclusion

A successful wellness initiative is about creating a way of life and requires a firm commitment. While designing an employee wellness policy, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach. The wellness program must address the physical, emotional, as well as the financial health of the employees. It should also promote healthy habits among the workforce. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach that you can adopt. 

 

In order to create a program that works for your employees, start with surveys or focus groups to identify the specific needs of your employees. Pay special attention to ensure that your commitment towards employee wellness is reflected in all aspects of your operation. To maintain accountability of the program, implement an evaluation plan and set out specific objectives that you wish to achieve. 

 

SILA is a leading facility management company in mumbai that looks after various real estate services like project management, real estate advisory, real estate development, and home interior design