This entry is part of 12 in the series Health & WellnessHealth & WellnessHow to Develop a Workplace Wellness Program4 Benefits of Encouraging Movement Throughout the Day to Improve Employee Wellbeing7 Tips to Combat Prolonged Standing in the WorkplaceNew Year’s Resolutions: Tips and Traps6 Tips to Refresh Your Mind, Body and Soul with Exercise and MeditationStaying Healthy and Happy During the Holiday Season5 Norovirus Prevention TipsBenefits of Stretching at WorkHow to Refresh Your Mind Throughout the WorkdayHealth & Wellness: Goals + Coaching = SuccessTips for Staying Fit & Active in WinterThe Complete Guide to Managing Stress at Work Less than one-third of Americans are happy with their job.An unhappy or unhealthy work environment is bad for both business and employees.In an unhealthy work environment, employees are likely to be less productive, experience higher absenteeism, and at higher risk for chronic illnesses.

In response, employers should consider implementing a well-thought-out workplace wellness program that benefits both the employee’s health and the employer’s bottom line.Below, we will discuss the benefits of workplace wellness programs and how to establish and design one that lays the foundation for future business growth.4 Benefits of a Wellness Program  Reduces healthcare costs: Weight gain can lead 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 providing the support employees need to jump-start their well-being. Achieve higher employee productivity: When an employee feels their best their motivation increases and the employee is more likely to achieve higher productivity. 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 the employee to feel supported, balanced and satisfied with their job. 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 your employee’s health and wellbeing than it is to wait for workplace injuries to occur.Related reading, ‘Benefits of Stretching at Work.’ How to Create 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 employees.

When employees are at their best, employees’ healthcare expenses are reduced which saves the company money at benefit renewal.Productivity also increases resulting in additional revenue.  Implementing a workplace wellness program is an important aspect in improving the health and morale of employees.It’s important to continue to communicate your company’s wellness benefits to employees and to share resources of the program available to them.

Continue to evaluate your workplace wellness program and make tweaks based on feedback to have a successful program year after year.  Society Insurance is Here to Protect Your Business When it comes to risk management, prevention is key.Society Insurance policyholders gain the collaborative and consultative partnership of risk control experts and access to exclusive safety resources developed to keep your workplace safe and profitable.  Contact your local Society agent to learn more or browse our HR blog series for additional safety tips.   Additional Resources: 3 Tips to Making the Most of Your Employee Benefits4 Benefits of Encouraging Movement Throughout the DayGuide for Managing Stress at Work7 Tips to Combat Prolonged StandingSeries Navigation4 Benefits of Encouraging Movement Throughout the Day to Improve Employee Wellbeing >>Share this post:FacebookTwitterLinkedinemail