Designing and managing an employee wellness program is an important step in improving the health and productivity of employees and potentially improving the overall cost of employer-provided health care. Wellness programs can benefit employers by:
- Lowering health care costs.
- Reducing absenteeism.
- Achieving higher employee productivity.
- Reducing workers' compensation and disability-related costs.
- Reducing injuries.
- Improving employee morale and loyalty.
Because of the ever-increasing costs of health insurance and the importance of employee health, employers should consider implementing a well-thought-out wellness program that benefits both the employee's health and the employer's bottom line.
Health, Fitness and Wellness.
The term ‘Wellness’ covers a broad spectrum covering everything that promotes mental and physical well-being. As a result of the pandemic there has been a significant shift in wellness trends that is likely to continue forever. Fitness has become about more than exercise alone, it’s a lifestyle choice, rather than a couple of hours a week committing to working out.
Developing healthy lifestyle habits will have a dramatic effect on overall wellness. Daily physical activity is one of the key components in developing and leading a healthy lifestyle. A daily 30 minute cycle to and from your place of work, for example, will improve your overall quality of life.
Our overall health is made up of many components such as genetics, age or gender, wellness on the other hand comprises factors such as individual lifestyle choices and habits. The process of achieving wellness is an on-going practice, a constant work in progress!
A Lifestyle Change Decision
Changing one thing like deciding to cycle to work can have massive health and wellness benefits for your teams, for example
· Maintaining a healthy body weight – essential in reducing your risk of chronic disease.
· Reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
· Reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
· Reduce the risk of some cancers – physical activity has been show to minimize the risk of developing both colon and breast cancers.
· Maintain healthy muscles, bones and joints to support the body.
· Regular physical activity will enhance brain activity, emotional well-being and mood.
· It has also been shown to reduce the risk of depression and improve sleep.
Lifestyle choices have a major impact on overall health. Physical activity is one of the main factors in maintaining good health and living longer. Providing for this as part of your planning for Wellbeing in the Workplace will improve the wellbeing of your employees.
