Why a wellness program is a good idea for your company

When it comes to employee health, the healthier your employees are, the more your business will benefit.

One of the best ways to encourage health in your employees is through wellness programs. There are a wide range of wellness programs you can implement within your company to help your employees be healthy.

A few of the wellness programs you can implement include:

• Stress management


• Smoking cessation


• Weight loss


• Gym memberships/in-office gyms


• Free flu vaccinations


• Expectant mother programs

These are just a few of many. But why are wellness programs a good idea for your company? Here are just a few of the reasons why:

Make lifestyle changes
The purpose of wellness programs is to make lifestyle changes. It is estimated that 70% of all illnesses are due to lifestyle related causes, according to the Surgeon General. When employers take control and implement wellness programs, they're changing habits for good, which leads to an overall reduction of illnesses and also promotes longevity.

Decreased absenteeism
This can also lead to decreased absenteeism in the workplace, which leads to greater productivity throughout the office. Lower rates of absenteeism also allow for smoother processes as well as the ability to meet deadlines on time.

Improved company image
Healthier employees mean a better company image, and portray wellness and energy and health. Better health is also contagious, so employees who take advantage of and get excited about wellness programs within the company also tend to spread that enthusiasm to others.

Improved morale
Healthier, energetic employees have a more improved morale around the office than those who are unhealthy. Not only that, but employees who feel like their employers are taking care of them by offering wellness programs are happier at work, and more productive.

Lower health care costs
Employees who visit the doctor more often mean higher health care costs for employers as well as employees. When wellness programs are implemented within the company and employees take advantage of them, insurance costs are lowered. In fact, employees who exercise have 31% lower health care costs than those who don't.

Improved job performance
Job performance is often compromised when employees are feeling sick. They may feel tired, or be taking medicine that makes them drowsy. This can be dangerous when operating machinery or other equipment, and can result in lower quality work. Healthier employees are more awake and alert, which means higher quality work.

As you can see, a wellness program-whether it's stopping smoking or health screenings that check cholesterol and body fat percentage-would be very beneficial for your company. Not only that, but studies have shown that over 80% of employees will take advantage of wellness programs that are offered. This means they will be well worth the costs you put into them.

Finding the right wellness program for your company is as simple as finding out what your employees want. You can do surveys, ask around or, have a meeting to see what your employees would be most likely to enjoy. Health insurance providers often sponsor wellness programs or fairs for companies as well, that are good to take advantage of.

A wellness program is a good idea for your company. Employees who take advantage of wellness programs mean healthier employees, better productivity, and lower health insurance costs, to name a few.