In the corporate world, achieving ultimate success is the goal of every organisation. However, in the quest to achieve these goals, workplace wellbeing is compromised causing the workplace to fail to achieve its maximum results.
Some of the benefits of corporate wellness include:
- Improved employee performance
- Lower potential healthcare risks and expense
- A positive team culture
- Increased productivity
- Increased participation for the employees
- Creates a culture of healthy behaviours
- Increased employee satisfaction
With the advancement in technology and the changing perspective of individuals, employees’ priorities are shifting towards ‘value.’ Keeping that in mind, it is essential for organisations to not only implement wellness programs for their rewarding benefits to the business but also for the wellbeing of their employees. With the focus of the upcoming generation being improved mental and physical health, workplaces will need to consider their environment and create a design that allows their workers to take full advantage of workplace wellness programs.
In the long run, the organisation can benefit from implementing these wellness programs, since they can prevent additional costs on their employees due to an unhealthy or toxic workspace. The cost of wellness programs is insignificant compared to the medical bills the company may have to pay due to their employees’ poor health or eventual injury from poor ergonomics. It is in the company’s best interest to remove as many risks as possible to their worker’ health and wellness.
Workplace programs designed to improve wellbeing not only focus on one dimension of employee wellness but several. They allow you to improve employees’ physical, mental and financial wellness. Most organisations’ focus has been on employees’ physical wellness in the past and while that is a step in the right direction, the mental and financial are just as important. We know physical wellness is surrounded by the idea of the physical performance of employees and healthy eating. Mental wellness is regarding the emotional state of the workers. It is one of the most critical dimensions of wellness that needs attention. With more awareness of mental health issues nowadays than ever, the importance of implementing wellness programs is becoming more evident.
Lastly, Financial wellness focuses on guiding how to achieve the best financial stability they can in future, as well as providing bonuses and benefits. It is also important to be aware that the employees need to be introduced to the idea of wellness. They are to be informed and reminded of the benefits they can gain to achieve maximum output and results. Besides, employees are less likely to seek better work with competitors if all their financial needs have been met. It all comes down to what is important to you as a company. Do you want your employees to be loyal to you? Do you think you can gain their trust and loyalty by ignoring their wellbeing and expecting them to sacrifice their mental health for the average salary you provide?
Luckily, implementing workplace wellness programs is easier than it may sound. With a few small steps, companies can create an environment that makes their employees satisfied with their work, happier and stress-free. It encourages loyalty and increases productivity and the quality of the work. Allow your employees to enjoy the occasional table tennis game or once-in-a-while office party. Activities like these can benefit team building and the feeling that the office is a second home.
“1 in 6.8 people experience mental health problems in the workplace”, according to the Mental Health Foundation. So, the chances of your employees having mental health problems are very likely.
Now you know you have a problem in YOUR workplace.
You need to prevent these mental health issues by implementing and promoting workplace wellbeing programs and allowing the employees to take full advantage of them. By providing such support to your employees, you can foster healthy, loyal and successful employees.