The Benefits of Employee Wellness Programs

Wellness programs are becoming a standard amongst medium and small-sized businesses. These programs are now commonly included in company benefits packages, and for good reason. If done properly, they provide employees the necessary support to adopt and maintain healthy behaviors.

Healthier Employees

A report conducted by Rand Health Quarterly concluded the following on wellness programs:

“Consistent with prior research, we find that lifestyle management interventions as a component of a wellness program can reduce risk factors, such as smoking, and increase healthy behaviors, such as exercise. This result is of critical importance, as it confirms that workplace wellness programs can help contain the current epidemic of lifestyle-related diseases, the main driver of premature morbidity and mortality as well as health care cost in the United States.”

This research shows the long-term benefits of an employee wellness program and demonstrates how it encourages a healthy lifestyle. 

The Business Benefits of Wellness 

Top researchers at Gallup found that healthier, well rounded employees are 45% more likely to better adapt to change than other employees. When employees adjust to change efficiently and quickly, it creates a more productive and successful environment for the business to thrive. 

According to a study by Virgin Pulse, 85% of employers believe their wellness programs had a positive influence on the company’s culture. A company’s culture is essential to creating a valuable experience for employees, and it ultimately increases their motivation and productivity.

Other business benefits of wellness programs include: 

1. Lower health costs as a result of health, happy employees 
2. Increased employee engagement and productivity
3. A higher quality work life
4. Increased teamwork and camaraderie
5. Employee adaptability and reduced stress

Wellness programs are essential to the health of employees and, in turn, the success of your business. Because of its benefits such as increased productivity and medical cost savings, including a wellness program in your company’s benefits provides a solid return on your investment. It’s time to make moves that benefit both your business and your employees.