Corporate culture has evolved beyond the era of strictly hierarchical leadership. Instead, it’s quite the opposite now. Corporate wellness has taken the front seat, and employers are looking for ways to boost the health and well-being of their workforces.
In 2013, Forbes found that 87% of employees consider health and wellness initiatives when looking for an employer. Employee motivation today extends beyond financial incentives, encompassing well-being and purpose.
If you want to make wellness a priority at work, this article can help. We’ll break down what corporate wellness is and share some tips on how a great wellness program looks.
A corporate wellness program, also known as employee wellness or workplace wellness, is pretty much understandable from its name. The BLS describes wellness programs as company-run initiatives that help employees (and sometimes their families) adopt healthier habits, stay safe, feel better, and even boost productivity. Together, they benefit the company in many ways (1).
Many companies roll out wellness programs to attract top talent, keep employees happy, and boost productivity. Effective programs are designed around the team’s needs and usually include activities such as fitness challenges, mental health support, stress management workshops, and financial wellness guidance. Some programs go a step further and also benefit employees’ spouses and dependents.
The benefits of employee wellness programs go far beyond just feeling good at work. Research has shown that well-run programs can lead to 30% fewer sick days, a 15% drop in employee turnover, and a return of $3.27 in healthcare savings for every $1 spent. The cherry on top is that getting started doesn’t have to be expensive – annual costs typically range from $150 to $600 per employee (2).
Are you looking to transform both your business and the lives of your team members? BetterMe corporate wellness solutions provide a holistic approach to physical and mental health that boosts productivity and job satisfaction.
A corporate wellness program has to be well-rounded. Providing a gym at work is a positive step, though creating a truly healthy culture often requires a more holistic approach. A strong program focuses on multiple areas, which makes work life healthier, happier, and more productive.
Some of the main components include:
At this point, Google is often cited as an example of a comprehensive wellness approach. Its wellness program is a standout. Employees can access on-site fitness centers, healthy and free meals, mindfulness and meditation classes, and counseling services whenever they need them. There are even nap pods, ergonomic workstations, and flexible work options to help them balance their personal and professional lives (7).
Basically, they’ve thought of almost every angle to ensure employees feel supported, energized, and motivated. This shows that when a company invests in wellness, everyone wins.
Read more: Mental Reset After Summer: A Wellness Plan for Your Team
As mentioned above, corporate well-being is the new norm in workplaces and is no longer optional. In fact, companies that overlook workforce well-being may face challenges such as higher turnover and reduced engagement (8).
Corporate wellness programs are at the heart of this approach. They focus on areas such as occupational wellness, mental health support, flexible work arrangements, and financial well-being. Remember, this can be a highly profitable two-way street. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to perform at their best.
A company with strong corporate health usually sees low absenteeism and happy employees. However, it doesn’t happen by accident. Organizations build this kind of culture by putting wellness-focused policies in place, such as:
These initiatives often support bigger business goals as well.
For example, if a company wants to boost productivity, it might focus on reducing burnout through mental health support. This can be favorable for both employees and the organization. And burnout isn’t rare – a Deloitte survey found that almost 80% of employees have experienced it at work (9).
Therefore, investing in corporate wellness programs improves productivity and reduces absenteeism. It creates a workplace in which people feel supported and motivated, which helps both the team and the company achieve bigger goals.
BetterMe provides members with tailored plans that are based on their unique physical, psychological, and lifestyle needs and health goals. Start using BetterMe corporate wellness solutions to transform your team and business!
A corporate wellness program can take many forms, depending on the company’s size, culture, and employee needs. It’s like a toolkit that blends physical, mental, and social support into daily work life.
Below are a few practices that can be covered under each domain:
Physical Wellness
Mental and Emotional Wellness
Work-Life Balance
Nutrition Support
Financial Wellness
Social and Community Engagement
As guidance here, you can rely on the 3 Cs of wellness. This is a simple framework for achieving holistic well-being.
Together, the 3 Cs create a roadmap for lasting wellness. Companies should also listen to their employees to make them truly effective. Quick wellness surveys or feedback loops can ensure programs reflect real needs and preferences.
Read more: Why Is Corporate Wellness Important? How Healthy Teams Build Stronger Businesses
When companies invest in wellness, they’re not just doing something “nice” for their teams, they’re also making a smart business move. Research has shown that corporate wellness programs deliver an average 6-to-1 return on investment (ROI) (10). In plain terms, for every dollar spent, companies save six.
But where does this ROI come from?
It’s no surprise then that wellness is becoming a global trend. In fact, the Global Wellness Institute projects that the wellness economy will expand at an annual rate of 7.3% between 2023 and 2028. This can outpace the IMF’s current global GDP growth forecast of 4.8% (11). And companies are stepping up to meet employee expectations. Well-known companies such as Microsoft have shown that offering wellness perks such as fitness options, healthy meals, or mental health support helps keep employees happy. These initiatives can also strengthen the bottom line (12).
At the end of the day, wellness programs aren’t just “perks”, they’re investments that pay off in healthier people and solid business profiles.
Corporate Wellness Week is a dedicated time when companies focus on employee well-being. During this week, companies can conduct fitness challenges, health screenings, mindfulness sessions, and team-building events. It’s designed to encourage healthier habits and boost morale in the workplace. Corporate wellness software is a digital tool that helps organizations run and track their wellness programs. It can include features such as step challenges, nutrition tracking, mental health resources, and data reports so companies can measure participation and outcomes. A corporate wellness coach is a professional who guides employees toward healthier lifestyles. They may offer customized support in stress management, fitness, nutrition, and work-life balance. This can help employees set and achieve personal wellness goals. A corporate wellness consultant works with organizations to design, implement, and evaluate wellness strategies. Unlike a coach who works directly with individuals, consultants take a big-picture approach. For example, they may analyze company needs and create customized wellness plans.Frequently Asked Questions
What is Corporate Wellness Week?
What is corporate wellness software?
What is a corporate wellness coach?
What is a corporate wellness consultant?
Corporate wellness programs are no longer workplace extras that get a little capital share. They’re a solid strategy for building healthier teams, cutting healthcare costs, and reducing absenteeism. These programs can improve both morale and productivity.
Adopting new habits can be challenging, but employees feel valued and more engaged when organizations invest in their people. Over time, corporate wellness programs can foster a culture of care and commitment that benefits the workforce and the long-term success of the company.
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