Introduction
Workplace wellness, or corporate wellness programmes are all the hype these days, both with big and small corporations. You can be sure this is not without reason. Studies and surveys that have dealt with the matter have invariable shown how corporate wellness programmes have a positive impact on the workers and the workplace. If you have a business and have been wondering about implementing workplace wellness programmes, but still have some doubts or are hesitating, here are some reasons for why you should give it a try:
When Employees Feel Better, they Work Better
It is pretty obvious, is it not, that you cannot expect an employee to take care of a customer when the employee is unable to look after himself or herself? Through simple steps taken through a workplace wellness programme, you can have an impact on your employees' lifestyle, encouraging them to adopt healthier habits that will make them feel better physically and mentally.
It has been shown in studies that one of the major factors for reduced productivity is fatigue. This may be due to lack of sleep, stress, an unsuitable diet etc. By educating employees about this, you can get them to change various choices they make with regard to their daily routine. This automatically translates into better work from the employee in all spheres of activity.
Lower Absenteeism levels will be the result of workplace wellness programmes. An employee who is in good health, or at least in better health than he would have been without simple inputs from the workplace like a walking group, a yoga class, healthier snacks in the canteen and at meetings, will be absent from work less often. If employees are told about the ill-effects of an unhealthy diet and are made part of an informal weight-watchers group at office, they will be more likely to pay attention to their own health. This definitely means they will have to call in sick less often. It is easy to see that the more days of work that are put in, the more work the employee will be able to show.
A Green workplace is definitely a good workplace. When it comes to workplace wellness, pay attention to the environment of the workplace. Even small things such at the paint used, or the carpets, the floor coating etc. can contain toxins that affect us the cellular level. If you identify the shortcomings of the workplace and fix them, your employees will feel and work better.
Goodwill
When employees know that the business cares about their health, they will have better feelings towards it, and will feel a sense of responsibility – they must give back to the business what good they are getting out of it through workplace wellness programmes. Such employees are likely to work harder than those who feel no affinity for their workplace or work. They will also serve customers better, and will also recommend the business to family and friends.
Remember!
Make sure you ask for employee views and feedback when you implement a workplace wellness programme. There is nobody to better suggest way to healthy living for your employees than your employees themselves!
