According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), workplace wellness stands for “a coordinated and comprehensive set of health promotion and protection strategies implemented at the worksite that includes programs, policies, benefits, environmental supports, and links to the surrounding community designed to encourage the health and safety of all employees.”
Workplace wellness refers to a work environment that is conducive to the health and well-being of all employees. Some employers struggle with this concept, believing that the health of their employees is not their concern. Thankfully, this mindset is changing, with employers taking a more active role in promoting a healthy and positive workplace since healthy employees are more productive, have fewer accidents, are less prone to absenteeism and accrue lower healthcare costs.
5 Examples of the Best Workplace Wellness Programs
Common workplace wellness programs include on-site fitness centers, alternative transportation to and from the workplace, yoga classes, healthy snack and lunch options, dedicated relaxation or nap areas and optional wellness getaways. These options were successful before COVID-19, but with many people working from home, workplace wellness looks a bit different now.
Here are five suggestions for effective workplace wellness programs:
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- Walking Challenges: In place of a step challenge, walking challenges are a strong motivator to get out and move. They connect co-workers who are physically separated by engaging them in friendly competition. Converting steps into miles as progress toward specific landmarks tracks participant movement.
- Nutrition Challenges: Developing healthy eating habits is an essential part of overall wellness and a topic that’s notoriously hard to address. Pairs or groups of employees can share their healthy meal choices and hold each other accountable.
- Mindfulness Challenges: Managing workplace stress, burnout and mental health is a serious concern for employers. According to Mental Health America (MHA), employees who feel comfortable discussing workplace stress with their manager reported more restful sleep, higher levels of confidence with their job and more motivation than those who do not. Employers can encourage the use of meditation apps and incentivize employees to report their app usage based on duration or day streaks.
- Sleep Challenges: Sleep fuels physical performance and plays a vital role in emotional and mental health. Many chronic diseases correlate with insufficient sleep, and CDC studies have shown that 1 in 3 adults don’t get enough shut-eye. Workplace challenges that highlight the importance of a good night’s rest and ways to practice healthy sleep habits can positively impact employee well-being.
- Employee Assistance Programs: Assistance programs can provide confidential support for stress, depression, substance abuse and anxiety. These programs rely on financial backing from an employer, with rewards going to employees who set and achieve wellness goals.
Why Workplace Wellness Matters
There’s growing evidence that incorporating wellness approaches into the workplace offers numerous benefits. The traditional healthcare system is based on the treatment of symptoms and not preventive care, resulting in higher healthcare costs for businesses. By assessing the health of employees and prioritizing their well-being, companies can foster happiness and productivity in the workplace.
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Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
Workplace Health Program Definition and Description
1 in 3 Adults Don’t Get Enough Sleep
CorporateWellnessMagazine.com: What Is Workplace Wellness, Really?
Global Wellness Institute: Why Wellness Evidence Matters
Mental Health America: Mind the Workplace
