Why Have a Workplace Wellness Program?

There are a number of reasons why a Workplace Health and Wellness Plan is beneficial.

1. Enhanced Morale - When the organizational culture begins to change as a result the Workplace Wellness Program, you and your workers may actually begin to see and feel a new level of energy within the organization.  Ultimately, one of the most ambitious goals of any broad-based Workplace Health and Wellness Plan is to attempt to sway the attitudes and actions of the organization’s most valuable resource — its workers.

2. Reduced Turnover - As we all know, worker replacement costs can be quite high for any kind of business.  The effort and expense associated with running employment ads, reading applications, checking references, interviewing qualified candidates, hiring and training a new employee can be a serious burden on any business.  In light of the challenges that high worker turnover pose, many companies are looking to Workplace Wellness Initiatives as an additional perk that can help to prevent workers from jumping ship.

3. Improved Recruitment Potential - In the midst of a very tight labor market, companies are forced to pull out the stops in order to recruit new talent.  In some instances, Workplace Wellness Initiatives can prove to be a very valuable tool in sealing the deal.

4. Reduced Absenteeism - When an employee misses work in a business setting, the entire organization is forced to absorb his/her responsibilities.  Even in the event of the occasional absence caused by things like colds and the flu, work can back-up and tensions can build.

Even worse is a long-term absence caused by a major health event that requires hospitalization and/or rehabilitation.  By preventing certain types of illness caused by poor lifestyle habits, Workplace Wellness Initiatives can play an important role in reducing absenteeism.

5. Health Care Cost Containment - Most companies don’t begin a Workplace Health and Wellness Plan with cost containment in mind.  However, cost containment for certain health problems should be considered a viable goal by many companies.

6. Enhanced Worker Health Status - One of the greatest advantages of a well-designed Workplace Health and Wellness Plan is the promise of enhanced health.  There is a growing body of evidence that suggests well-designed Workplace Wellness Initiatives can successfully impact such behaviors as smoking, high-risk alcohol use, seatbelt use and more.