What is an employee wellness program?

Employee wellness programs are set up to help employees make better health choices and make a wellness a priority. This is done outside of the traditional work environment where employers only cared about what happened at the office, warehouse or factory. Today, employee wellness programs can be found in manufacturing companies, high rise corporations, and large and small businesses everywhere.

The idea of employee wellness programs can from several different experiences, from several different areas. Businesses were confronted with rising health care expenses, from a workforce that was getting sicker, not better as the years went by. In addition other businesses wanted to make the work environment, more inviting and healthy, for their staff. These ideas have lead to the creation of an employee wellness program movement.

Employee wellness programs have greatly evolved over the years. Many of the initial programs began with companies offering exercise equipment on site. Employees could use their breaks or lunches to utilize the equipment. Other initiatives were found when companies began revamping the offerings in their cafeterias by giving employees healthier choices or designating a health promotions coordinator who was in charge of helping employees find health resources that fit their needs. It is important to note that none of these things were meant as substitute for routine health care; however, employers quickly found that employees who utilized the program needed less medical treatment and medications.

Employers who are considering designing an employee wellness program often make the mistake that their program must be expansive and expensive. It should be noted that there are many levels of employee wellness programs. The most basic program offers online services and referrals. This can be helpful for many people who are confused as to where to find reliable health information and specific help.

The best employee wellness programs are designed so the resources and data are tailored to the needs and interests of the employees that are involved. Companies find that by taking health concerns and treating them in a sensitive and timely way, employees begin to see the importance of health issues, and become more motivated to make healthier choices.

It has been found that employee wellness programs are most successful when the business and the employees are totally committed to the program. However, this needs to be done with the idea of health, not the bottom line in mind. Companies should be focused on creating a healthier and safer environment for their work force. Experts agree that an employee wellness program is an investment that a business can not afford to make. Not only is a business with an employee wellness program investing in their workforce, they are also taking preventative measure against problems that could occur in the future.

Businesses with employee wellness programs are seeing the benefits in increased productivity and reduced health care costs. Many businesses are hesitant to begin an employee wellness program due to the perceived low return on investment, but the reality is that when employers offer this type of program they are helping employees to live in a healthier way, which means they will work more productively have to miss fewer days of work due to sickness.

As part of an employee wellness program, businesses should also be educating their staff about safety and wellness techniques. The best programs will have current information on applicable health statistics.This will lead to ways to help employees stop smoking or lose weight. Many businesses have taken this a step further by having a physician consult with the health promotion team, on how to best assist employees to live healthier lives.