Employee Wellness Programs Can Help Companies minimize Surging Healthcare costs. Take a look around your workplace. Are your employees actively participating in activities outside work? Does your office have a health club or do you engage your employees in fun & energetic activities? If not, then read along.
There are many companies out there that are controlling their expenses on Employee Wellness Programs. But in reality, unhealthy employees can be 2-3 times the direct medical expenses for companies. In today’s time, staying healthy is like a new resolution which we often forget in 2 months. The medical expenditures already cover a good percentage of corporate profits and chronic diseases include many health care issues and costs.
Rather than spending on surging healthcare expenses, isn’t it better to spend on wellness programs?
5-Step Process To Implement Effective Employee Wellness Programs
1. Introduce A Comprehensive Program
Ensure that it includes all the important areas of employees’ daily lifestyles. Make sure to focus on building a healthy workplace and community where your employees can indulge in healthy eating habits and stress management.
For example – Plan and execute after-work office run or organize a local massage therapy session by installing stress-reducing chair massages.
2. Engage Your Employees
According to a Gallup study, it is found that engaged employees are 21% more likely to show interest in wellness programs offered by their company than actively disengaged employees. Thus corporates can try to focus on the results rather than participation.
3. Promote A Healthy Eating
Invite nutritionists to take workshops & speak to employees during the lunch breaks. You can also organize healthy cooking classes and give healthy lifestyle tips for the benefit of the employees. To encourage employees to indulge in a healthy lifestyle, provide fruits and healthy snacks in the cafeteria.
4. Market Your Wellness Program To Employees
Rather than just informing about the wellness program to your employees during the hiring process, try a different and engaging process. Try to communicate about the wellness programs at the places where they hang out like the cafeteria. Install bulletin boards or distribute flyers before any wellness event to get maximum participation.
5. Promote Financial Health
Don’t restrict yourself to physical health. Make your employees a pro in saving and investing for a secure future. Help the employees to understand all the options available related to finance and let them make an informed decision. And in addition to this, financial security will also help employees reduce stress levels.
According to the study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, unhealthy behaviors are directly related to the increase in health costs. The researchers say that people who don’t exercise are more likely to spend $5,813 (INR 4,25,395) per week as compared to the people who exercise for at least 150 minutes per week. People who exercise at least 150 minutes per week have to spend an average of $1,313 (INR 96,085) on healthcare every year.
If you’re missing out on providing a well-planned wellness program for your employees, start planning today because “Health is wealth”.
For more information about Employee wellness programs, contact Avyukt Healthcare.
