Implementing systems to promote employee wellness is a valuable way to show your team members you care for their well-being. Moreover, a report from MetLife found that 59% of employees say health and wellness benefits are important for increasing loyalty to their employer. While wellness initiatives and programs are aimed at benefiting employees, your organization is also likely to see a host of advantages as a result.
The main benefits your organization can expect from implementing wellness programs include:
Increased productivity
One of the most important benefits of healthier employees is a significant increase in productivity. Employees who feel physically and mentally well are more likely to perform at their highest potential — which is a boon to your overall business.
Higher employee engagement
Keeping your employees' well-being at the forefront of your company's priorities is also an effective way to improve engagement. Not only will your workforce be more engaged because they know how much they are valued but also because when they feel well, they are better equipped to stay engaged throughout the workday.
Lowered stress levels
High levels of stress in your workforce can quickly lead to burnout, disengagement and absenteeism, which is detrimental to your productivity and costly for your business. Ensuring your employees' stress levels remain manageable is critical to keep performance high and expenses low.
Reduced absenteeism
Absenteeism is incredibly costly for organizations and inevitably results in lost productivity. In fact, according to a report from Investopedia, the total annual costs related to lost productivity, as a consequence of absenteeism, totaled $84 billion. This emphasizes the importance of focusing on employee wellness to keep them healthy, as well as productive.
Improved teamwork
Wellness initiatives may also be an effective way to keep your workforce connected, which will be vital for your teamwork moving forward. These activities can give your workers a chance to collectively collaborate toward a common goal that benefits them personally. This is likely to create bonds between co-workers, which can translate into high-quality teamwork at your company.
Higher retention
While the Great Resignation continues, keeping turnover low and retention high is top of mind for most organizations. Implementing wellness programs for your employees might be a beneficial way to keep your talent loyal long-term. They will appreciate initiatives that show the company cares for their well-being, and as they maintain their health they will be more engaged and satisfied along the way.
Attracting new talent
Not only will your current talent appreciate efforts that support their well-being, but it will garner the attention of potential employees as well. Employees prefer to work for a company that has empathetic values, and this is becoming increasingly expected as employees search for new roles. Simply showing how your company cares for its workforce is a great way to recruit valuable new talent.
When it comes to promoting employee wellness, don't underestimate the true impact these initiatives can have on your business. In the end, a focus on the well-being of your workforce is vital to both the health of your employees and your company.
