Health is wealth But, when it comes to workplace wellness, many companies limit it to physical health alone. However, true workplace wellness encompasses so much more. It delves into the realm of mental well-being, emotional resilience, and fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.

And fortunately, companies are just starting to realize and value the importance of workplace wellness.

The era of The Great Resignation taught us a valuable lesson: Employees don't just quit jobs; they leave behind unfulfilled potential and unappreciated talents.

A 2023 employee statistic further emboldens the need for employee wellness – 87% of employees prioritize wellness and health offering when seeking out new opportunities.

So, what’s in store for workplace wellness in 2023? Join me as I try to find out!

Beyond physical health: Defining workplace wellness

Workplace wellness goes beyond physical health, and you might be surprised to learn what it entails.

The term workplace wellness is an umbrella term that covers:

• Mental health

• Physical health

•  Emotional health

• Spiritual health

Surprised? Yes, health can come in so many forms.

So, how exactly does workplace wellness benefit employees, and in turn organizations?

Re-read the first three words of this blog!

The Power of workplace wellness

Workplace wellness is a win-win for all.

It benefits both parties, the employees, and the employer(s). And of course, your motivation for fostering workplace wellness shouldn’t be financial benefits itself. After all, your employees are human too and deserve to be treated in a kind and compassionate way.

 With this being said, let’s have a closer look at the benefits workplace wellness offers.

• Less workplace stress

Wellness programs offer a powerful advantage by alleviating stress, the leading cause of illness, and decreased job performance. When wellness programs cultivate healthier and happier employees, they tend to lead better lives, benefiting both the employees and the organization.

• Better employee retention

Companies that prioritize corporate wellness and foster a positive work environment are more likely to retain satisfied employees who are less inclined to search for new job opportunities.

Investing in corporate wellness initiatives ultimately becomes an investment in talent retention. Thus, employees are motivated to remain and advance in their professional journeys.

• Higher employee productivity

Corporate wellness programs tend to safeguard employee health. This minimizes sick days and maximizes productivity. When employees feel like their employers care about their health, they tend to be more engaged in their work. And higher engagement = higher productivity.

•       Low healthcare costs

By implementing corporate wellness programs, a company can effectively reduce its healthcare expenses. When employees maintain good health, they are less likely to take unexpected leaves of absence which leads to reduced hiring and training costs.

• Improved company image

By prioritizing the well-being of its employees, a company establishes a positive reputation among both its competitors and potential recruits. And employer TRP attracts a flood of applicants for new positions!

Need more convincing? It pays to be kind!

Now, let’s have a look at how companies can improve/focus on workplace wellness in 2023.

Strategies for workplace wellness in 2023

Now that we've grasped the significance of wellness programs, let's explore some workplace wellness strategies.

Implement wellness and health programs:

Recognizing detrimental behaviors and health risks serves as a strong foundation for companies to promote a thriving workforce. Targeted wellness programs addressing smoking, weight management, depression, stress, and work-related emotional distress can effectively address pressing concerns faced by employees. Some ways to achieve this are:

●  Investing in holistic healthcare policies for physical and mental well-being.

●  Collaborating with professionals to create tailored wellness programs and provide one-on-one sessions for employees.

●  Highlighting the importance of regular biometric screenings to address underlying health risks.

●  Prioritizing comprehensive support for employees' physical and mental health needs.

Providing transportation options:

Organizations can try providing employees with replacements for their commute, to-and-from office. Moreover, employees can be given transportation incentives to reduce their commuting expenses.

In pursuit of a greener alternative, some companies implement bike programs that not only promote employee physical activity but also contribute to reducing air pollution.

For example, Facebook's Palo Alto campus offers a bike-sharing program, encouraging employees to choose bicycles over motorized vehicles..

In-office yoga sessions:

Regular yoga practice offers a multitude of benefits: enhanced flexibility, improved balance and posture, reduced stress and anxiety, increased strength and cardiovascular health, improved sleep quality, and heightened spiritual well-being.

Furthermore, studies indicate that yoga may have positive effects on conditions such as depression, chronic pain, and inflammation.

Being a low-impact exercise, yoga is accessible and enjoyable for individuals of various ages and fitness levels, making it an effective means to support the physical and mental well-being of your employees.

Healthy food options:

Fueling our bodies for optimal performance is crucial, and a nutritious diet plays a significant role in helping employees feel and perform better.

However, limited lunch breaks often lead to reliance on unhealthy or fast food options. To address this, Bandwidth, a communication platform company, offers its 700 employees a generous 90-minute lunch break, allowing them to enjoy a leisurely meal, engage in activities, or even return home for a healthy homemade lunch.

Additionally, dedicated companies like Natural Source specialize in delivering nourishing snacks, enabling employers to stock their company cafes with nutrition-packed brain food, ultimately enhancing employee health, morale, and productivity.

Celebrating employee success:

Acknowledging the entire team's accomplishments by celebrating the completion of team-based tasks, fosters a sense of camaraderie and achievement.

Try to avoid the common mistake of solely recognizing managers and team leaders, as this creates a disconnect and diminishes employee motivation for future projects.

By ensuring that employees feel valued, their work will be appreciated, fostering a greater sense of motivation and engagement.

Wrapping it up:

A healthy workforce is a happy and unstoppable force. So, let's embark on this journey together and create a workplace that radiates wellness, success, and unparalleled satisfaction. Your employees deserve it, and your business will reap the rewards.

Cheers to a brighter, healthier future!