We all want to work smarter, not harder. But, even technological advances haven’t conquered adding more hours into the day. One of the of the first things that seems to get sacrificed by increased demands in the workplace is our health. Less time for self-care, declining energy, more sick days and stress contribute to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and a general morale problem. This all translates to more than just elevated healthcare costs for employers, it’s compromising our collective wellbeing.
Thankfully, workplace wellness programs have entered into play to help mitigate health challenges of workers, while being mutually beneficial for the companies. While some initiatives focus on individual challenges like smoking cessation, mental health care or weight loss, there’s a growing trend for keeping it simple by building community with group activities inserted right into the workday like on-site mind/body fitness classes, Lunch & Learns and healthy cooking demonstrations.
Feedback on these types programs is overwhelming positive because of the convenience of being able to participate during the workday. That means on-site classes like the one we offer here at Goomi may just be the alternative to bending time.
Here are 10 Reasons Workplace Wellness Works
- It’s convenient and time-savvy. If it’s easy, employees will be more likely to participate. And if they participate, they’re more likely to adapt the new habits and behaviors they learn through wellness offerings. Providing classes that improve health during office hours makes it simple for staff to schedule it in their busy lives.
- There’s a positive domino effect. Most health problems are caused by poor eating habits combined with a sedentary lifestyle. By bringing group exercise classes and nutrition education onsite, employers light the spark of inspiration for healthy habits and an organic chain reaction takes place.
- Mob mentality works to the program’s advantage. Employees model each other’s behaviors. Even if participation isn’t mandatory, once non-compliant employees observe enthusiastic ones going to classes, bringing healthy snacks, and keeping water bottles on their desks – it’s inevitable that even the most resistant folks will give some element of the wellness program a try. Peer influence is real and it can be a major motivator!
- It’s been studied and proven effective. The Rand Report Workplace Wellness Programs Study lead author, Soeren Mattke states, “We find 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.” #BOOM
- Wellness programs attract the best of the best and keep them. Perks mean a lot these days, and offering on-site wellness programming can be just the item that sets you apart from the competition. When a prospective new hire is considering their offer, imagine if on-site massages and lunchtime Pilates were a part of their deal. It could be what sways a star prospect to sign with you.
- Workplace wellness creates company culture and loyalty. According to a report from The Economist Intelligence Unit,” employees who say their company has a wellness culture, regardless of size, report better outcomes across a broad range of concerns, from fitness and diet to overall well-being and engagement with the employer’s mission. Such a culture, the EIU research shows, is achievable for a broad range of companies and can provide an important competitive advantage.
- It’s fun! How can employees not enjoy an all-day health fair that includes massages? Whether your team likes mellow meditation or boot camp, nutrition education or boardroom yoga, there’s wellness programming out there that will resonate with your people and bring more joy to their day. Happier employees mean less absenteeism, more productivity and decreased healthcare costs.
- Employees have something to look forward to. A post-work kickboxing class or 10-minute massages once a month can be major motivation. A workforce that looks forward to coming to work is highly valuable. When staff get in early for a pre-shift Vinyasa yoga class or powers through their morning tasks just so they can make the lunchtime meditation group, the return on investment is immense.
- It produces positive change. Stress-reduction, weight loss, improved sleep, mood elevation and increased mobility are some of the possible outcomes from engaging in wellness programs.
- Workplace wellness improves the bottom line. Whether happier, healthier employees recoup the investment in programming via productivity, healthcare costs or camaraderie, wellness itself is priceless. Need numbers? A study found, “Employees who participated in a program and successfully improved their health care or lifestyle showed significant improvements in lost work time. These employees saved an average of $353 per person per year. This reflects about 10.3 hours in additional productive time annually, compared with similar, but non participating employees.”Ready to get your workplace wellness going? Chat with us at Goomi Group about customized programs for your unique company needs. We know that self-care is a universal challenge for everyone from the mailroom to the boardroom. In an age of power-meetings and drive-thru lunches, Goomi is a one-stop-shop for all of your health and wellness needs. Our expertise is bringing specialized programming to your office that fits your schedule. A balanced life is possible for everyone and we have the solutions to bring wellness right to you.
