corporate health
and wellness

“All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.”

— Michael John Bobak, digital artist

Understanding Employee Wellness Programs

Employee wellness programs or corporate health and wellness plans are a form of health benefit that many employers provide – in one form or another – in addition to health insurance. The definition of a wellness program is a corporate fitness program that helps employees stay healthy or – in some cases – helps them improve their health. Wellness program ideas can range from ideas that have a specific purpose, such as assistance to an employee smoking cessation or to lose weight; to onsite gyms and wellness services like onsite chair massage with licensed therapists or nutrition recommendations through group workshops.

The popularity of COMPANY Wellness Programs

Employee wellness programs have become so popular that they have been described as a fad. The fact is, that employee wellness plans are increasing in popularity for good reason, rather than fading away as fads do. Some surveys have found that more than 80 percent of companies have an employee wellness plan, plus, that figure goes as high as 92 percent in companies with 200 or more employees.

If you don't offer an employee wellness program or some variety of wellness activities, you're competing for good employees with companies that provide such programs. Employee wellness activities have become so sought-after for employees, that the largest employers spent an average of $3.6M in 2019 for employee health and wellness programs.

Improving Your Bottom Line

Having an employee wellness plan can help you attract and keep good employees because they view it as an added benefit they'd like to have at work. However, above all, wellness programs provide benefits to the company that can clearly affect and improve your bottom line as well.

Curbing Absenteeism

Employers have always struggled with absenteeism and the loss in productivity it causes. Yet, when workers come to work when they're sick, they're spreading germs throughout the office so everyone tends to become ill. If employers could find a way to keep employees healthier, there would be less absenteeism.

Improving Morale and Productivity

Health experts say that exercise releases endorphins (the "feel good" chemicals) that help improve mood. People who are happier have a more positive outlook, which can translate to more energetic workers, better problem-solving and increased productivity. Participating in non-work activities together also strengthens employee relationships and your company culture.

Increasing Employee Retention

Employees feel valued when their companies invest in their well-being with wellness programs. This, and their positive attitude towards their work, makes them more likely to stay at their jobs.

Reduced Health Care Costs

In a recent survey by Tower Perrins, 300 companies were analyzed, with total healthcare costs amounting to more than $29 billion annually. On average, a company can pay more than $9K per employee for health insurance. The more risk the employee holds by maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle, the more the company has to pay for comprehensive health insurance. For example, employees at risk for depression represent a 70% higher insurance cost, and one way to fight depression is exercise, a large component of wellness programs, and a measurable benefit of instating a corporate health and wellness program.