Enhance Employee Engagement Through a Dynamic Wellness Program

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We all know that health is important, but many organizations struggle to find a healthy work life balance. Only 17% of organizations with 50 or more employees have a health and wellness program ^[1]. So why is this number so low? If you haven't shined a light on employee health in your organization, here are some tips on how to create a versatile wellness program in the workplace.

The Importance of Wellness in Professional Services

The "Why"

It all starts with understanding why focusing on employee health is important. From a business standpoint, you'll end up saving money. Health and Wellness programs can save on average $353 in lost time per person annually ^[1]. The same study found that healthier employees who made healthy lifestyle changes gained 10.3 more productive hours per year. If you have 50 employees, that's over 500 more hours of productivity!

Second, you'll boost self-efficacy. The hardest part about improving health is getting started and believing in yourself. A health and wellness program brings the resources, discipline, tools, and support it takes to make these lifestyle changes. Self-efficacy can't be bought or taught, it takes patience and the right leadership to develop it.

Understand Your Employees Comfortability

Caring for your team's health extends beyond standard benefits like insurance. Health and well-being are deeply personal, involving emotions and vulnerability. As you begin your program, it's crucial to recognize that around 75% of employees will be taking their first steps toward wellness^[2]. A tailored wellness program should cater to this diversity, offering inclusive alternatives and support. By embracing the responsibility of enhancing employee well-being and productivity, companies are championing diverse lifestyles and fostering a culture of care.

Incorporate the 8 Dimensions of Wellness

This is how you turn in ordinary health and wellness program to a dynamic one! Bring holistic wellness into focus by educating your employees on different areas that affect their life. As recognized by the National Library of Medicine, the eight dimensions of wellness include: physical, emotional, intellectual, social, spiritual, vocational, environmental, and financial^[3].

Breaking Down Wellness Incentives and Tasks

Now that the foundation has been established, it's time to dive deeper into the eight dimensions of wellness and what it looks like in the workplace. Check out how you can apply dynamic wellness activities into your health and wellness program!

Wellness Dimension	What It Looks Like
Financial	Finance Literacy Workshops that educate employees on basic financial concepts (budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt). Share finance tools for employee assistance, retirement planning, and general spending. Gift card brands: Prepaid Gift Cards from American Express®, Mastercard®, or Visa®.
Environmental	Take advantage of natural light. Green initiatives that focus on recycling programs, sustainable materials, and reducing waste. Adding indoor plants and outdoor spaces to unwind. Gift card brands: The Home Depot and Lowe's.
Vocational	Professional development workshops, seminars, and training programs. Career planning and growth support. Job satisfaction surveys to gauge employee feedback. Skill-based workshops for specific job-related skills. Supporting work commutes and trips. Gift card brands: Shell, Delta, Southwest, and Uber.
Spiritual	Mindfulness workshops and meditations. Designated rest spaces to recharge after tense moments. Offering bereavement programs and wellness resources. Supporting employees in finding meaning and purpose in their work. Gift card brand: Barnes & Noble
Social	Celebrating personal and professional milestones. Social spaces within the workplace for work lunches and hangouts. Promoting a culture of respect, empathy and inclusivity. Mentorship or buddy programs to facilitate professional and social support. Gift card brands: Dave and Busters, AMC Theaters, Darden Restaurants, Top Golf, and Fanatics.
Intellectual	Puzzle books, brain teasers, books, and audiobook subscriptions. Feedback-rich environment that encourages creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Employee presentations to share their knowledge and expertise. Skill-based challenges or competitors. Gift card brands: Amazon.com and Target.
Emotional	Company check-ins Fun stress reliving activities like puppy therapy or goat yoga. Team building activities to foster camaraderie. Mental health or wellness days to allow employees to take a break. Access to confidential counseling services. Gift card brands: Spa & Wellness and CVS.
Physical	Ergonomic workstations and chairs. On-site group workout classes, yoga sessions, or gym facilities. Designated walking paths around the workplace. Various fitness challenges and competitions. Tracking water intake. Gift card brand: Foot Locker.

And That's All For Now!

Employee wellness is essential in every industry. Make 2025 the year you start the initiative with your organization. When you create a work environment that's healthy, productive, supportive, and adaptable to the changing world, you build a better future for your company!

Sources: https://www.corporatewellnessmagazine.com/article/new-study-says-active-participation-in-wellness-programs-increase-employee-productivity#:~:text=The%20Journal%20of%20Occupational%20and%20Environmental%20Medicine%20published,about%20%24353%20in%20recouped%20productivity%20per%20person%20annually. ^[1], https://www.wellsteps.com/blog/2020/01/02/wellness-program-participation/ ^[2], https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5508938/ ^[3],

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