Reasons why your company should have an employee wellness program

Employers are realizing that the ultimate success of their company depends upon the quality and health of the workforce. If your employees are not able to be productive due to sickness or poor health, your bottom line will suffer. Studies have shown that employees who have an employee wellness program are able to produce and function at a much higher level. Best of all this higher level of performance is seen at a consistent level as well. These programs have been shown to be successful in ways that are beneficial for the business at large and the employees on an individual level. While each program is different they have been shown to have a number of different benefits. There are a multitude of reasons why your company should have an employee wellness program. Here are some of them-

• A reduction in the costs of health care-It has been shown that businesses that put an employee wellness program, within their company structure, are able to significantly reduce the costs of their company health care. Initially the concept of an employee wellness program was put together for two different purposes. Employers were looking for ways to reduce their overall health care costs as well as promote a healthier workforce. Using an employee wellness program has been shown to effectively do both. Best of all a reduction in the costs of health care for employees adds to the company bottom line and benefits everyone.
• Higher morale in the work place-Employee wellness programs are designed to cover a numerous healthcare issues. Most of these programs focus on providing nutritional advice, offering exercise programs, helping with weight loss or smoking cessation. It has been shown that when an effective employee wellness program is in place the effect is simple. Employees are found to be much happier on the job, which in turn translated to higher performance. They also appreciate the fact that their employer is taking their needs and well being into consideration, which fosters a sense of loyalty and trust.
• A reduction in absenteeism-Any factor that influences whether an employee takes time off at work, whether it is something simple such as a cold or the flu, or something major such as obesity or heart problems, costs the employer money. One of the biggest benefits, employers have found who have an employee wellness program is that this time off can be drastically reduced, and sometimes avoided. Employee wellness programs provide the employee with ways to make small changes in their lifestyle that can make big changes in their overall health. An employee wellness program can help the employee makes these changes by helping them identify the problem, educate them about the solution and then implement the needed changes. When the employee is able to achieve these changes, then the reduced absenteeism begins to happen. In turn, the business is able to see a reduction in costs and an increase in overall productivity, which improve the bottom line.
• An overall reduction in costs-Employers who have an employee wellness program are able to see a drastic reduction in almost every cost level, throughout their company. There are costs that are quantifiable along with valuable intangible results as well. It can be hard to clearly identify the costs that is gained through an employee wellness program when you are looking at an increase in morale, productivity and work performance; however, they all positively affect the bottom line. However, the reduction in the use of sick leave, absenteeism and lower insurance cost, can contribute too significantly to reducing overall costs. Employers find that when they have an employee wellness program in place their overall profitability increases dramatically.