Workplace Wellness Programs: Health is Wealth, Literally
‘Workplace wellness programs’ is the buzzword of the modern workplace scenario all across the globe. Workplace wellness programs are aimed towards preventing the cause or aggravation of adverse health conditions of the employees. Workplace wellness programs are being looked upon as a worthy investment in what all companies unanimously claim to be their most precious resource – employees.
Sound health of the employees also translates to increased productivity, superior performance, high morale and reduces healthcare spends on employees and loss of productivity time caused due to sickness. On the other hand, workplace wellness programs instill a sense of being valued by the employer in the workforce. These programs thus ultimately spell benefit for the employees and employers alike.
Workplace wellness programs can take many forms. Some companies keep it simple, for example, distributing health related literature, newsletters and information among its employees with an aim to increase awareness. Many others opt for comprehensive and elaborate programs, including weight loss programs, stress management sessions, onsite gymnasiums, alcohol and drug abuse counseling, smoking and tobacco quitting programs, promotion of and education about nutritional foodstuff, detection and screening of diseases (including cardiovascular ones), fitness programs etc. while some companies conduct walking tours around the campus, some others have established full-fledged clinics in the campus to cater to the health needs of the employees.
The key to the success of workplace wellness programs is finding out through surveys what the employees want. Many workplace wellness programs have lost their momentum and died out owing to lack of interest and participation on the part of employees. Also, it is very important that the senior management not only actively promotes these programs and encourage the employees to take part in them, but also participate themselves. Every workplace opting for a workplace wellness program should appoint an expert in the field who would draw out a suitable healthcare program for the employees and promote it.
Replacing junk food in the office cafeteria with tasty nutritional food and replacing caffeine-based beverages with fruit juices etc. might also give good results. Also, the company should set goals for its workplace wellness program and evaluate it at regular intervals to find out if those goals are being achieved.
