11 Employee Wellness Program Ideas to Enhance Workplaces
If you're thinking about introducing an employee wellness plan or program, you're
undoubtedly wondering if it's something your company can afford and what the benefits are.
Although large organizations may have the resources to implement a complete program,
small and mid-sized businesses must stretch their budgets further and ensure that every
dollar spent on an employee benefit helps the business in some manner. Fortunately,
employee wellness programs come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you will definitely find
initiatives that will suit your organisation’s needs.
It's common knowledge that happy and healthy employees are more productive, so
companies are seeking for innovative methods to engage and motivate their workforce
through workplace wellness initiatives.
However, many firms struggle to know where to begin. Companies risk squandering time,
money, and resources on wellness initiatives that don't succeed since there are so many
diverse workplace wellness programs, ideas, and techniques available.
What is an employee wellness program?
Employee wellness programs or wellness plans are a type of health benefit that many
organizations offer in addition to health insurance in one form or another. A wellness program
is defined as one that assists employees in staying healthy or, in some situations, improving
their health. Wellness program ideas can range from concepts with a specific goal in mind,
such as assisting employees in quitting smoking or losing weight, to onsite gyms or gym
memberships, to incentive programs that reward participation or achieve the intended
objectives.
11 Examples of Employee Wellness programs
1. Encourage healthy eating habits
Employees with good nutrition have more energy, productivity, and focus. Healthy
snack alternatives such as fruits, veggies, and cereal can be offered. Throughout the
day, many employees nibble at their desks and they normally snack on junk foods.
Your organization can encourage its employees to eat healthier snacks and drink more
water by providing only healthy snacks and water. Healthier snacks at the office have
been shown to assist enhance concentration.
You might also try less common activities like healthy catered lunches, conducting a
cooking class, and inviting staff to contribute their favourite healthy recipes to a
workplace cookbook. These activities can help enhance employee engagement and
morale in addition to assisting employees in making healthier eating choices.
2. Mental Health initiatives
Employee health surveys frequently list mental health issues including stress, anxiety, and
depression as top concerns, and they are the second biggest cause of absenteeism at work.
Even mild depression or anxiety symptoms might have an impact on work performance.
The majority of employees feel that their mental and personal issues cross over into their work
lives and have a direct impact on their productivity. Addressing mental health as part of a
wellness program should be prioritised by organisations.
Employers can demonstrate their interest in mental wellness at work by providing free or
discounted therapy sessions, as well as mindfulness or meditation programs. Consider
holding a wellness session to help staff relax and bond with one another. Organisations should
also raise awareness on mental illness prevention, suicide prevention, and post-traumatic
stress disorder.
3. Fitness Activities
Exercise is a terrific approach for employees to relieve stress, and it should be included in
every company's wellness program. Whether it's organizing a 5-a-side football team or
offering yoga sessions in the office, encouraging employees to engage in physical activity at
work is an effective method to boost mental wellness. You can also promote physical fitness
at work by having walking meetings and hosting regular fitness competitions. Plus, it doesn't
have to be expensive - one of your employees can even organize a lunchtime wellness activity
at work.
Fitness activities should not be boring but fun. Here are a few examples of fun fitness
activities:

Cycle to work challenge

Workplace walkathon challenge

7-minute workout challenge

Stair climbing challenge
4. Ergonomic Office Environment
https://zapier.com/blog/how-to-set-up-your-desk/
An ergonomic workplace can help employees feel more at ease at work while also
reducing discomfort and injuries. It also helps in preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries.
Provide ergonomic chairs, workstations, ergonomic office equipment such as raised
keyboards, and ergonomic training to your employees to create an ergonomic
working atmosphere. Natural light should also be considered in the workplace as it
helps in improving a healthy workplace.
5. Flexible working hours
Flexible work hours might help your staff feel less stressed and achieve a better worklife balance. Why are you forcing your employee to work long hours if their job doesn't
require them to? Let's face it: many jobs are no longer bound by the old 40-hour
workweek standard. And when your staff are working with children, sharing a
vehicle, or scheduling college courses, that timetable is likely to be a headache.
Allowing flexible working hours when it's suitable might help relieve some of your
team's everyday stress and focus on employee wellness. Allowing an employee to
change their schedule by just one hour could make a huge effect. You could even give
them the option of working four days each week. Which employee is more productive:
one who arrives at work flustered or one who arrives calm and eager to get down to
business?
Why not provide your team the option of working remotely in addition to flexible
working hours? While it is not appropriate for every case (or every employee), most
companies have at least some responsibilities that can be performed remotely, making
this an excellent choice for an employee wellness program. The COVID-19 pandemic
has demonstrated that remote work may be effective. Employees who have the
opportunity to work from home — even if only occasionally – are happier, according
to statistics. Think about how many calls you get during flu season (or worse yet,
people who come to work sick.) How often does bad weather delay people from going
to work?
Furthermore, lack of flexibility toward work-from-home arrangements is one of the
main reasons employees have been leaving their employers during the Great
Resignation. According to a FlexJobs survey, 58 percent of respondents said they
would "definitely" hunt for a new job if they could not continue working remotely in
their current position.
6. Social Events
Social activities can inspire employees to develop friendships with their co-workers
and peers, which has been shown to improve workplace wellbeing. Companies of all
sizes can host social events such as guest lecturers, movie evenings, and networking
events; these don't have to be related to your industry. Workplace emotional
wellbeing is sometimes overlooked, and social events can significantly increase
employee connections and engagement.
7. Community Service Activities
Many people feel good and fulfilled when they do nice things and help others.
Employers can plan a day for their employees to volunteer in the community.
Employees might organize fundraisers and support groups for subjects they care
about. These kind of activities also help employees form closer bonds.
Take advice from individuals who have already volunteered within your
organization. They can assist you in making this employee wellness initiative a
success. Learn about the different organizations in your region and collaborate with
them to arrange a volunteer opportunity for your company.
8. Financial and Non-financial Incentives
Employee involvement in your employee wellness program is critical to getting the
most out of your investment. Offering incentives to encourage employees to
participate in various aspects of your employee wellness program is one method to
accomplish this. Bonuses, gift cards, and an extra vacation day are all examples of
incentives you might provide.
9. Celebrate employee success
Meeting company objectives, no matter how big or small, should be celebrated.
Humans naturally want to be recognized when they make an achievement. Failure to
acknowledge one’s good deeds will result in a lack motivation when the next task or
project is assigned.
Celebrating employee success will show your staff that you care about them and value
their hard work. Trips, local outings, in-office parties, or even a simple mention in the
monthly newsletter can all help
Do not forget to brag about your team's achievements outside of the office. You can
make a press release, an article, or a video to let everyone know.
10.Parent coaching and support
Parenting is difficult. Working parents face unique problems, particularly in the
digital era, when work follows you about everywhere. Every organization should
provide this type of employee wellness program.
Parent coaching can help your employees achieve a better work-life balance while also
enhancing their relationships with their families. Employees who have a positive
home life are more engaged and motivated at work.
You may also consider forming a working parent employee resource group, (ERG).
Culture Amp, has an ERG called Camp Carebears, which is focused on helping
employees with caregiving duties to be more successful in the long run.
11.Financial Education
Everyone experiences financial stress at some point. Financial stress can affect every
aspect of your life, including your career. If an employee is stressed out about money,
there's a significant possibility they're not engaged at work and don't have time to
focus on their health.
Financial education for your staff can help ease this stress while also giving them a
valuable life skill, which they will enjoy. Employees can benefit from learning about
budgeting, investing, and retirement planning.
Remember that your organization is likely made up of people from many walks of
life, from recent college graduates to seasoned employees nearing retirement.
Customize your financial education and employee wellness programs to reflect this.
What are the benefits of an employee wellness program?
You are now equipped with employee wellness program ideas. How then will your
organisation benefit from such initiatives? Here are some of the advantages:

Increased productivity: Employees who eat well and exercise on a regular
basis are more likely to be productive than those who do not. Poor health habits
are frequently linked to high levels of inefficiency, which can lead to increased
health risks and chronic diseases.

Improved recruitment and retention of employees: Good wellness initiatives
will assist businesses in hiring and retaining the best staff. When it comes to
choosing a job, many people are swayed by the presence of health and other
benefits. Employee wellness programs are also help to keep employees loyal.

High employee morale: Employees feel appreciated and valued when they
participate in wellness programs. When employees feel appreciated and
respected by their employers, they are happy. Employees are frequently more
enthusiastic at work when wellness programs are available.

Reduction in absenteeism: Workplaces with comprehensive wellness
programs have lower absenteeism rates because their employees are healthier
and less stressed, resulting in cost savings.

Reduced health risk: Helping employees develop healthy habits like eating
well, exercising regularly, and not smoking reduces health risks. Health care
expenditures are lowered when health risks are low.
Conclusion
Management must lead and advocate health and wellness initiatives in the workplace
for them to be successful. Managers and team leaders must work together to foster a
company culture that prioritizes employee wellness by encouraging their employees
to engage in mental health and wellbeing activities at work.
Management must also lead by example, participating in staff health initiatives such
as lunchtime meditation sessions and after-work yoga courses, to ensure that
corporate wellness programs are successful.
Nicole Chimwamafuku is Finance, Strategy and Performance Management
Consultant at Industrial Psychology Consultants (Pvt) Ltd, a business
management and human resources consulting firm.
Phone: +263 242 481946-48/481950
Mobile: +263 782 415 973
Email: nicole@ipcconsultants.com