When we think of dream companies to work for, we often think of companies that offer employee benefits and have a healthy workplace culture. We all want to be valued and recognized at our workplaces. However, not all companies are transparent and supportive to guarantee that. This makes employees complacent and there is no growth for them or the company.
If you want to change this in your organization, then read on as we discuss corporate wellness and its advantages.
Corporate wellness programs are the initiatives that companies take to promote a balanced and healthy lifestyle. These initiatives cater to different areas of well-being including healthy workplace culture, mental and physical health.
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Why should companies consider corporate wellness programs?
Companies that invest in wellness programs and positive corporate culture have multiple benefits.
Job satisfaction
Job satisfaction is a big part of a company’s success. It makes employees feel that the company is involved in not just their daily tasks but also their holistic growth.
Increase employee retention
Culture and benefits play a significant role in loyalty and retention. When organizations invest time and money in personal wellness, employees are more likely to stay.
Empower employees
Employees spend around 9 hours a day roughly at work. Empowering them by giving them ownership and appreciating their work keeps them motivated.
Brand and values
Corporate wellness programs are an extension of what the organization believes in. It stands as a symbol of the company’s values. Companies can look at it as a branding stunt to attract the best candidates as well.
How to establish a successful corporate wellness program?
Different companies offer different wellness programs based on their values and budget. You can eyeball different company culture examples and then understand what programs they offer to align with them.
The first thing to do is to understand where you currently stand and what your employees want. You can derive it with the help of surveys and multiple interactive sessions.
The second item on your list is to get to know the types of corporate wellness programs so that you can wisely choose the best fit for your company.
As mentioned before, corporate wellness programs can address different areas of wellbeing including physical, emotional, financial, social, career, intellectual and more. You can prioritize the areas you want to focus on by basing it on the results from the survey or conversations with the stakeholders.
Here are some corporate wellness programs that you can consider
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Gym/sports-related reimbursements
To promote physical activity, you can offer gym reimbursements or give allowances to buy sporting equipment.
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Group health insurances including mental wellness
You can offer health insurance to employees and their dependents. As a part of mental wellness, you can organize talks by therapists or yoga sessions and the like. Currently, organizations are offering free COVID-19 vaccinations to help them get slots for the same.
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A friendly and fun environment
To improve relationships and communication, interactive discussions to talk about work or non-work topics go a long way. Have weekly or bi-weekly bonding sessions in-office hours
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Work schedule flexibility
With work from home, many offices have lifted focus from ‘how’ or ‘when’ someone is getting the work done. Providing flexibility improves performance as employees give their best when they are not forced.
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Work environment with challenges and opportunities
Like companies, like employees – both crave growth. Support and provide opportunities for employees to take initiative.
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Allowance for skill development (courses or degrees)
Provide a one-time allowance or a yearly allowance that employees can use to learn and upskill.
Check out employee wellness programs examples of successful companies
