The people working in the global environment know the term “wellness programs”. They are the way about the organizational approach that improves the well-being of the person as well as helps the family.
What are workplace wellness programs and how do they work?
Workplace wellness programs are offered at the workplace by various companies, organizations, and government institutions. They are the tool to encourage an individual to lead a healthy life without compromising their work timetable. They do not need to compromise their work routines to participate in healthy activities as they are given a particular wellness program to achieve all the goals of fitness and health.
Different wellness programs that are initiated all over the world have helped employers and employees to improve their lifestyles. The companies have set apart a sum of money to make the health care programs successful at the workplace.
Let us summarize the workplace wellness program:
- Corporate wellness programs are scheduled programs that include fitness activities and challenges, cooking classes, and recipe sharing and exchange for a healthy lifestyle. They are an excellent way to improve financial well-being also.
- Health screenings by the panel of doctors are conducted regularly to improve the food choices of the employees, their weight management, and overall physical well-being.
- Many multinational companies have customized wellness programs for their employees, including a massage program, on-site gyms, and free workout and company-sponsored fitness classes.
- Placing gym equipment in the common office rooms is a good start where the employees can pump up their energy and shed that extra pound. For others, the company also offers paid gym memberships.
- Effective wellness programs include the introduction of healthy meals at the cafeterias. Also, healthy food finds a place in board meetings and overtime meal plans.
- Weekly wellness and healthcare programs take initiative in encouraging the employees who participate and win health challenges. Weight-loss competitions are a sure-shot way to motivate the peer group. They are presented with grocery vouchers for winning competitions to promote the program.
- Educational talks, stress management debates, and seminars are organized in the office premises to promote weight loss and health programs.
- Tobacco cessation programs are a good way to keep a tab on habit-forming drugs and substances.
What are the benefits of corporate wellness programs for employees?
The employees of a renowned company that offers wellness programs are benefitted in many ways. Corporate wellness programs are responsible for improving and changing employee behavior in many arenas. It will take productivity and human performance to the next level.
Let us take a quick look at the benefits of wellness programs:
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High productivity
Employees who are indulged in regular exercise routines and healthy food habits are more productive than their counterparts. It is so because nutritious elements in food and regular workouts have a good impact on the body’s fitness. A regular cycling session on a stationary bike burns a lot of calories. Even 30 minutes of treadmill walking will increase your metabolism and make you healthier. So, people cannot stay productive if they suffer from poor health conditions and diseases. The decreased number of sick days will inversely help the productivity at the office as there will be an increased turnover of work.
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Boost employee morale
The wellness programs are organized to pamper the employees. They feel valued and appreciated in the terms of health and wealth. The free sponsored exercise routines and gym membership concessions are always looked upon by the employees in a good light. It will fill the employees with enthusiasm and excitement.
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A conscious effort to look fit
There must be a healthy competition level in the office among the employees to show their complete output. If the competition extends beyond performance and promotions and reaches a fit and healthy body it will be an added advantage. With gift vouchers and food incentives, the whole workforce will be driven towards the goal of a healthy lifestyle inside the office.
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Financial incentives
The companies have offers like lowering insurance premiums if the employee meets certain fitness criteria. Also, the money spent on medicines and other equipment will be reimbursed by the office as an incentive. So, these gift cards and financial incentives encourage individuals to lead healthier lifestyles.
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Reduced risk of chronic diseases
Health is directly proportional to the well-being of individuals. If the employees are indulged in regular workout routines and gym sessions, they are less likely to catch common or chronic diseases. High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and heart diseases are common in the age groups of 35 to 50. The major cause of these diseases is lack of exercise apart from other factors. Going for wellness programs will teach the employees to make healthier choices in life and prevent them from chronic diseases.
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Introduce health culture
Introducing an active culture of awareness about health and fitness in the office will engage the workforce to make healthy choices. They will love to participate in group activities, office weight loss challenges, and walking meetings. This will make a special connection between them and increase the happiness quotient. There will be a positive environment in the workplace by initiating a well-researched wellness program.
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Reduce stress
The hormones that are responsible for happiness like endorphins are released when a person is involved in rigorous body exercise. The workforce in a company is always struggling with work, stress, and performance pressure. If they give time for workouts and synchronized activities, it will give them a break from a stressful environment and make them feel better.
Conclusion
A lot of sum is spent by companies to start wellness programs for the welfare of the employees. So, the employees must make full utilization of the offer and be healthy and productive.
