Workplace Wellness Programs: Why Is It the Need of the Hour?

Employees are considered a vital force in any organization, but workplace wellness programs hardly make the cut when it comes to improving organizational efficiency. While it can be perceived as pure ignorance on employers' part, it is rather a rigid, preconditioned work culture that has persisted through the ages.?

Before the workplace wellness program gained momentum, working 10 hours a day, extra shifts and unsafe working environments were the norm in many industries.

However, with changing times, the perception of employers has also changed. Now, they take care of their employees better than their predecessors. However, merely saying we care for you is not enough; workplace wellness programs are the perfect way to show that employers care about their employees and strive to improve the efficiency of the overall workforce.

In this latest edition of the Pitch N Hire newsletter, we will explore why workplace wellness programs are the need of the hour and how you, as HR personnel, can play an important role in incorporating these wellness programs.

What is a workplace wellness program?

Wellness programs are initiatives undertaken by employers to promote the overall well-being of their employees. These programs are designed to address various aspects of employees' health, such as mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

In the modern workplace, traditional responsibilities have evolved. Constant deadlines, long working hours, and the evolving nature of technology have given rise to burnout, stress, and an overall decline in the well-being of employees.?

All this not only affected employees but also impacted the overall productivity of the organization. Realizing this, employers are increasingly incorporating workplace wellness programs into their workforce. A study shows that 91% of employees are more likely to do their best work when executive upper management prioritizes employee well-being.

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Types of wellness programs

Though workplace wellness programs come in different categories, organizations or HR experts primarily focus on four major categories that are targeted to elicit both physical and mental benefits for employees.

• Physical wellness programs: These include on-site fitness initiatives, running or fitness challenges, nutritional workshops and seminars, and health screenings.
• Emotional/mental wellness: It includes stress management workshops, employee assistance programs (EAP), or mental health initiatives.
• Social wellness programs: Team-building activities, social events, and gatherings, or employee recognition programs come under this category.
• Spiritual Wellness: It includes programs such as yoga workshops and meditation programs.

Why a workplace wellness program is important

Let us look into why organizations need to implement workplace wellness initiatives:

Improves employee productivity

By prioritizing the overall well-being of the workforce, wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, or stretching exercises can significantly improve the focus and productivity of employees.?

Did you know that 66% of companies with wellness programs report increased productivity? It is no secret that healthy individuals are more likely to perform optimally and better engage with their professional responsibilities.

Reduces health care costs

According to a study, 72% of employers observed a reduction in healthcare costs after implementing wellness programs. Programs such as regular health check-ups and screenings can help identify the early symptoms of health issues in employees. This can cut short any need for extensive healthcare investment, ultimately saving costs for employers.

Less absent leaves

Fostering a healthy lifestyle and better work-life balance can reduce employee absenteeism because healthier employees are less likely to take leaves or extend time off due to health issues.

Regulates the employer's behavior

Apart from better pay and perks, a good working environment plays an important role in attracting the best talents in the industry. However, a working environment can be easily marred due to employees' sullen or irritated nature. Such situations can be effectively prevented by implementing wellness initiatives, including support for work-life balance and mental health.

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Boost employee morale

Introducing initiatives like community and social engagements can enhance employees' sense of value, resulting in an uplift in morale. Although improving employee morale might primarily benefit employees, the interconnected nature of employee effectiveness and organizational efficiency implies that this can ultimately optimize overall organizational performance.

Improve employee retention.

Group activities and sports can help employees build rapport, facilitating strong teamwork and fostering a positive work environment. These aspects are integral to a comprehensive wellness program, and by implementing them, your organization can retain top talent. A study conducted by Flex Jobs suggests that 62% of employees quit due to a toxic work environment.

The role of HR in workplace wellness programs

Yes, workplace wellness programs are important for organizations looking to enhance their overall performance. Studies show that these programs benefit employers, employees, and even HRs, making it a win-win situation. However, these programs are not cost-effective; depending on their nature, they can cost between 36 and 90 dollars per employee annually.?

Given the high investment and skepticism regarding their effectiveness, organizations tend to beat around the bush and hesitate to commit. So here are a few things you can do for wellness programs:

• As an HR expert, you can advocate for implementing a wellness program, ensuring the organization's higher executives see beyond their investment and realize its long-term benefits.
• You should conduct a detailed survey of your workforce based on which specific wellness programs should be crafted. This method ensures the needs of a large percentage of employees are covered.
• As an HR professional, you should coordinate with the management and program head and the employees, ensuring they are well-informed and available during wellness initiatives.

Final word

Workplace wellness programs have been around for a long time, but while major corporations have embraced them and their benefits, some organizations are still reluctant to implement them.?

These programs are essential in today's workplace for their integral role in fostering employee well-being, enhancing productivity, and promoting a positive work culture.

If you are an HR expert who is constantly battling to cope with the overwhelming and time-consuming process of traditional hiring, then Pitch N Hire's ATS (application tracking system) is your ultimate solution.?

With this ATS, you can automate your hiring process without losing the effectiveness of traditional hiring systems. Integrate Pitch N Hire's ATS into your hiring mechanism and automate your tasks while you attend to your workplace wellness program.