Workplace wellness programs are becoming more widespread throughout the country, with local governments recognising the huge benefits to national productivity, health, wellness and reduced health-care costs. Many states have developed workplace health initiatives aimed at promoting various programs to employers and employees. The bottom line of these programs is that healthy employees tend to be happier and more productive employees, they produce greater results for employers, and cost the government less money in medical expenses. These programs range from simply providing education to workers, to subsidised healthy lunches, increasing opportunities for walking, fitness education and organised fitness sessions.
Benefits to Employers
Employees are the most valuable assets to any company, in fact various studies indicate the process of recruiting, hiring and training up even a low-level employee can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Finding and retaining good staff plays a pivotal role in a the success of a company. The health and welfare of employees has a direct impact on their likelihood to stick around and keep making the business successful. Investing money in a workplace wellness program is a strategic decision that will bring lowered expenses in return, the reduced costs may come in the form of:
- Better performing workers
- Reduced Stress
- Reduced workplace injuries
- Reduced absenteeism due to sick days
- Reduced presenteeism (working while sick which can cause productivity loss, poor health, exhaustion and workplace epidemics)
- Improved staff wellbeing
- Increased job satisfaction
- Higher retention rates.
Benefits to Employees
So why should an employee take advantage of a workplace wellness program? Every person has some sort of health risk to varying degrees, whether it’s unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or sleep, drinking, smoking, or even something genetic. Using a corporate wellness program can lead to positive changes. Not only will you be more able to complete your job responsibilities, but you will have more energy for your family and friends when you get home. Some of the other potential benefits of completing a regular corporate fitness program include
- Weight loss
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduced blood pressure
- Improved sleep
- Reduced health care costs
- Learning how to reduce muscle strain by completing some simple in-office stretches and exercises
- Sense of camaraderie with your co-workers – increased social support
Another huge benefit to employees is that many corporate wellness programs are held during the work day, on your lunch break, or just before/after work hours. This makes it convenient as there’s nowhere additional to travel, and you can simply build it into your regular work-day routine.
Fitness Enhancement offers excellent Corporate Fitness packages which can include workshops for staff on nutrition, exercise and stretching, free webinars, access to many great online resources, and of course regular fitness sessions. WE come to YOU, whether it’s at your place of business, a nearby park or other facility of your choice. Fitness sessions can be catered to all ages, fitness levels and abilities.