Why corporate wellness programs matter to businesses?

Wellness of the mind is as important as the wellness of the body. It is now imperative for every organization to consider the mental health of an employee because it’s a domino effect linked directly to the productivity of employees. For instance, anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows but it empties the strength of today. In today’s course of life, what is more, hampered are the employee’s mental status, morale, self-esteem, confidence, and motivation if the wellness programs are not considered seriously?

These programs were more of ‘perks’ initially but they are now a mandatory element of health provided by all organizations for their employees. Specifically, in these unfortunate times of Covid when health is of utmost importance, organizations are going the extra mile to promote healthy habits in the workplace. Protecting the health of an employee has now become a matter of concern for all.

Medifit is a renowned design and construction company specializing in construction related to the medical industry. They always highlight the key aspects of maintaining good physical and mental health and how one should particularly have wellness spaces in offices. According to  medifit.com, corporate wellness interventions cost employers €122 per employee each year. There is definitely a cost involved for the wellness of an employee but the ROI for conducting wellness programs nullifies all the arguments. Corporate wellness intervention costs have reduced health costs at a rate of 305 € per employee, per year for every organization. So yes, corporate wellness programs do matter!

Reasons why corporate wellness programs matter to businesses

1. Reduce absenteeism and medical costs

The workplace is an important setting for health protection, health promotion and disease prevention programs. The main agenda of creating these corporate programs is to motivate employees to lead a healthy lifestyle equipped by proactive health-driven choices and to help improve a company’s overall outlook by lowering the impact of medical premiums and absenteeism. Corporate programs list down agendas of employees and let out a list of competitions for employees to participate in. For instance, quit smoking competition is a direct link to the health of the employee. The urge to quit smoking is horrendous and inexplicable but not impossible. Such activities can promote the good health of employees. As a matter of fact, some of the corporate companies have special gift vouchers for non-smokers. A healthy work environment created through actions such as making healthy foods available and accessible through vending machines or cafeterias. The better the health of the employees, the lesser the absenteeism, and the better the company perform!

2. Encourage good behaviours

Every company expects its employees to honestly behave well with the clients or other employees. Good behaviour often leads to promotion and understanding between employees. To promote happiness among employees, wellness programs must introduce incentive-based activities such as weight-loss programs or how many times help is offered to another employee. This promotes cordial relationships and instils a competitive spirit among employees.

3. Cultivate a holistic work environment

Adding a fun element to work often helps in creating a positive and productive work environment. Organisations are now creating happy spaces in their commercial complexes for their employee’s holistic development like libraries, pool tables, music rooms, gymnasiums, swimming pool, etc. a holistic development. Social gatherings, outdoor games, celebrating promotions, work anniversaries, and cookouts are some ways to promote happiness among employees. Often festivals and special days of the year can be celebrated in the office as a part of office culture. Secret Santa is still a ritually fun game played during Christmas by a lot of companies throughout the world. Such games add to the merriment and anticipation of employees who willingly come to the workplace. Besides this, promoting a colourful workplace by decorating the office on special days also promotes a happy environment. It brings joy to mind, body, and soul!

Promote a safe work environment

5. Promote a safe work environment

An employee’s mental health is directly proportional to their own safety and other’s safety. How? An unstable mind can cause harm to others intentionally or unintentionally with their provocative thoughts. It can be grudges against others, competition among employees, expecting a promotion, loneliness, or even a liking towards an employee, your mind can play games unexpectedly and ruthlessly. Corporate programs can establish a positive work environment where every employee feels safe. These programs engage employees in therapy sessions that might not be directly called ‘therapy’ to protect the sentiments of people but such programs involve activities that help an employee speak their heart out. It also helps in acknowledging safety threats with a means to identify and address new problems as they arise because any woman can be a damsel in distress at any given time!

6. Help in raising morale

Rejections, resentment, greed, etc. are all negative aspects of life. Once these are curbed at the right time, all can hail! Corporate wellness programs can boost the morale of employees by instilling positivity in them and encouraging them to think right. High confidence can be a temporary phase in the lives of employees. However talented an employee is, they can’t stand out if they are low on confidence or motivation. Every employee has some of the other talents which might not be used up in their workplace. Acknowledging this talent is one way to boost the morale of the employee. Corporate programs conduct activities such as a singing competition. Maybe singing could be some form of a much-awaited outburst of confidence for an employee?! There are many buds in the garden that wish to bloom!

7. Build a bridge of communication

Patriarchy is needed at a workplace but not when it lets a talent be hidden forever. Every employee should get an opportunity to showcase their work by means of ‘communication’. Communication is so important for every successful leader. Corporate programs open communication channels among the topmost level of the organization. It helps all to participate in its engaging workshops. This exercise also brings up all sorts of competencies of employees, helps in unexpected promotions and, also unbend anarchism.

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