Why you should have an employee wellness program

More and more business owners are seeing the benefits of having an employee wellness program. Employers are now beginning to understand that protecting the asset they have in their workforce is not only is the right thing to do but adds to the bottom line of their business, as well. This has lead many companies to introduce an employee wellness program. There are many different benefits to having an employee wellness program in your company. It is important to learn what they are before you begin putting together the program for your employees. Here is why you should have an employee wellness program-

- An employee wellness program promotes healthier employees-When you have a healthier workforce you have more productive employees. Your employees need to be strong and healthy in order to do their jobs at the highest levels of productivity. When your employees are sick you are not only losing money by having to pay more sick days and higher insurance premiums, you also don't have your employees at work to do their jobs. This lowers the overall productivity of your business. Studies have clearly shown that businesses that offer an employee wellness program have a much higher rate of health among their employees which in turn translates to higher productivity throughout their company. Finally, it has also been shown that companies with employee wellness programs have a much lower rate of on the job injuries. Since these type of accidents can cost any company substantial money it is important to consider putting in an employee wellness program for this reason alone.
- An employee wellness program can save you money-Every business owner is looking for ways to save money in any area of their business. One of the biggest costs that any employer is shouldering is the cost of sick employees. This problem is translated in paying more sick days and higher insurance rates. Keep in mind that not only do your healthier employees use less health insurance which translates to lower rates; many insurance companies are now offering discounts to companies that offer an employee wellness program. In addition, many companies have reported that this discount in insurance premiums is a great deal more then the cost of implementing an employee wellness program.
- An employee wellness program helps you to retain your employees-Studies show that many employees leave their jobs because they feel that their employer does not care about their welfare. Conversely, employees who work at companies that offer an employee wellness program feel that their employer is vested in their well being. This often results in the employee feeling a sense of loyalty to the company that they work for. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees is substantial and should be avoided at all costs. Having an employee wellness program can help you to keep the employees that you want working for you, for a long time to come.
- An employee wellness program can serve as a valuable recruiting tool-When you do need to hire someone you want to be able to attract the top tier of job candidates. Having an employee wellness program can help you do that. When you have are able to show potential employees what you can offer them many of them will be impressed by your dedication to your employees. Studies have even shown that benefits like an employee wellness program can make up for even a lower salary. You want to design and use your employee wellness program to not only keep the employees you have now but attract the ones that will help you build your company for the years to come.