Developing a Wellness Program for the Workplace

Developing a Wellness Program for the Workplace

Almost two thirds of Americans are not happy with their jobs, and an unhappy, unhealthy work environment is bad for employees and businesses. Unhealthy work environments create less productive employees with higher absenteeism and a higher risk for chronic illnesses. Business owners should consider implementing a well-thought-out workplace wellness program that could be beneficial to not only the business but also to employees’ health. The following is a productive foundation for a wellness program for future business success.

Four Benefits of a Wellness Program

1. Reduces Healthcare Costs

Weight gain leads to chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. A workplace wellness program educates employees about their risk factors and is a more proactive approach to reducing healthcare costs and provides the support employees need to jumpstart their well-being.

2. Achieves Higher Employee Productivity

When an employee feels their best, their motivation increases, and they are more likely to achieve higher productivity.

3. Increase Employee Retention

While a workplace wellness program is only a piece of what inspires employee retention, it is a crucial element. Wellness programs help employees feel supported, balanced and satisfied with their jobs.

4. Reducing Workers’ Compensation and Disability-Related Costs

A healthy lifestyle is an important factor in injury prevention. It is far cheaper to take proactive measures to support and grow employees’ health and well-being than it is to wait for workplace injuries to occur.

Steps for Creating a Workplace Wellness Program

Step 1: Conduct assessments

Step 2: Get management support

Step 3: Establish a wellness committee

Step 4: Develop goals and objectives

Step 5: Establish a budget

Step 6: Design wellness program components

Step 7: Select wellness program incentives or rewards

Step 8: Communicate the wellness plan

Step 9: Evaluate the success of the program

Evaluating Workplace Wellness Programs

A workplace wellness program can benefit both the company and its employees by improving health and morale. Employees who are at their best save the company money, and increased productivity leads to additional revenue.

It is important to communicate and share the program with all employees. To ensure the success and longevity of the program, business owners should request feedback and be prepared to tweak the plan as needed.

Society Insurance is recognized throughout the industry as a leader in providing superior restaurant and bar insurance, custom-tailored to fit each operation's unique needs. To learn more, visit societyinsurance.com/georgia.

This information is provided as a convenience for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. It is provided to assist you in recognizing potential unsafe work problems or conditions and not to establish compliance with any law, rule or regulation.