Posted by Hilary Turk
Wellness programs have become a positive trend in recent years, with almost 90% of employers providing them to their employees. These employers definitely have a positive objective in providing these programmes, but there are some issues that remain missing from the wellness programs that need proper attention for their success. Wellness programs often just focus on healthy eating habits, getting regular health check-ups, and providing knowledge to employees on living a healthy life, but the success of wellness programs doesn’t only depend on only these factors. Wellness programs need to engage employees, boost their morale and help them to adopt healthy changes in their work and home life as well. This can be achieved not only by introducing a wellness program but by providing the supporting tools and actions which will have everlasting effects. This would also benefit employers by saving them money on healthcare costs in the form of reduced absenteeism, decreased compensation for medical claims and increased efficiency of employees.
Here are a few ways you can improve your existing wellness program:
Improve your company culture
Wellness programs provide a great amount of support to employees, but this program can only succeed only when it is adopted within the culture of the organisation. A few health checks here and there in the office won’t cut it! Organisations should be encouraging their employees to follow a healthy routine which can boost stamina and energy levels to lead to an all-round healthier life.
Personalize your programs
Many wellness programs often skip over the part where they personalise a program to a specific person, which can ultimately lead to the success of the program. Before a successful program is implemented employees need to be carefully analysed and interviewed about their working culture, location, lifestyle, preferences etc. It’s also vital that the program be manageable and tailored to each individual’s needs.
Be engaging
Dedicate a team of employees that can create a buzz among their peers to adopt the wellness programs. Sending regular emails, educating employees and hosting monthly wellness program social events is a great way to get employees engaged and excited about joining the wellness program.
Reward your employees
Create an engaging reward system that your employees want to be a part of. It could be a financial reward for hitting their fitness goals, or a team lunch on the company for banishing a bad habit. Anything that gets your workers working towards a healthier and happy work life deserves to be rewarded.
Hilary is a Wellness Advisor at Optimity. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a B.Sc. in Human Kinetics. She aims to empower others to live their healthiest and happiest lives. Her interests are swimming, hiking and hanging out with friends and family. Wellness is a big part of her life and she hopes to make it a part of others.
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