Lately, there’s been a lot of focus on workplace wellness, so we wanted to share a few ideas and insights on how “Corporate Wellness” has evolved dramatically over the last few years. Wellness used to primarily refer to employee’s physical health – with programs providing pedometers, weight loss challenges and “eat more fruit” posters in the break room.
What is Wellness now?
Today, wellness is much more holistic in nature. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness is multidimensional and encompasses many elements such as physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, financial and environmental. The nonprofit Health Enhancement Resource Organization (HERO) states: “While workplace wellness grew because of corporate concerns over the cost of health care, workplace health and well-being is driven by employer interest in how to deeply engage employees and drive individual and organizational performance, and what it takes to sustain a culture of health and well-being over time.”
Wellness Programs Work
Studies show that wellness programs work. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) published a survey done by HERO showing that “More than 90 percent of business leaders say that promoting wellness can affect employee productivity and performance. Most business leaders (57 percent) also said their organizations viewed health as an investment in human capital or as part of the organization’s core business strategy”.
So, what does wellness mean for your organization and your employees? What does your organization value that your employees or clients would appreciate? Below are a few ideas around some of the common themes of wellness in the workplace today.
PHYSICAL WELLNESS
Can refer to exercise, nutrition, stress reduction. The goal is to lower risk for chronic illness, promote a healthy weight and prevent fatigue.
FINANCIAL WELLNESS
For many employees, personal finance is a top source of stress. Empower them with financial education, tips and strategies to save more or spend less.
SOCIAL WELLNESS
Defined as work relationships, social events and special interest groups within the organization that increase happiness and satisfaction in the workplace. Promote employee engagement and a sense of community.
EMOTIONAL WELLNESS
Emotional wellness can include stress management, mental health education, mental exercises, meditation and mindfulness. Help employees reduce stress and promote a healthy mental state – and an increased sense of well-being.