Wellness in the Workplace

Modern workplaces offer so much more than a place for people to come and get their job done. With companies like Google consistently raising the bar and challenging what we’ve come to expect businesses to provide for their employees, the possibilities for innovative employee benefits are proving to be endless.
When it comes to wellness in the workplace, everything from nap pods to fitness centres to smoking cessation programs are becoming part of the norm. But, what is workplace wellness, why do we need it and, is it actually a good thing?

Why?

At its most basic level, providing wellness in the workplace ensures employees are happy and healthy which means they’re willing and able to come to work.

However, if you’re a numbers guy, here are some stats for you to digest. On average, worksite health promotion programs:
– decrease sick leave absenteeism by 25.3%
– decrease workers compensation costs by 40.7%
– save $5.81 for every $1 invested in employee health and well-being
In addition, they make employees feel valued and positively impact culture. It’s no wonder there’s also an association between workplace wellness programs and increased employee engagement, creativity and innovation. Basically, people want to come to work and they want to think outside the box while they’re there.

What?

Wellness programs take many forms including:

Exercise – some companies offer yoga classes or put together a team to compete in a lunchtime competition. Others are lucky enough to have a fitness centre or provide gym memberships.

Healthy lifestyle – this could be in the form of a quit smoking program or a weight loss challenge.

Sponsored challenges – whether it’s participating in Dry July or putting together a group to complete a walk / run for fundraising for, these are designed to support worthy causes and facilitate a team bonding.

Mental health – many workplaces provide counselling or psychology services for free or at a reduced cost for employees.

Does it work?

I think it’s fair to say that the numbers (mentioned above) really do speak for themselves. There’s little doubt that the benefits to workplace wellness really do meet the cost. However, a key factor in any kind of behaviour change model is the willingness to participate. Although these programs can be offered, it’s unlikely that every single employee will respond as you desire. The best results will come from those who want to be involved and it’s not advisable to force those less willing to do so.

While workplace wellness may not appeal to everyone, it is something which is definitely worth offering, particularly if you can provide diverse options which will appeal to as many people as possible. Even if you can’t get everyone on board immediately, over time you should start to see more people taking advantage and the positive impact to your business.

Shannon Wood, Managing Director S8 Expert Recruitment Solutions. I have over 14 years recruitment experience specialising in the animal health industry across the ANZ region. Areas of expertise include sales and marketing, technical roles (Quality Assurance, Quality Control & Regulatory Affairs) and operational & financial positions. I work extensively in the veterinary, ruminant, monogastric, aquaculture and the pet specialty industries and I look forward to the next 14 years.