Wellness programming has immeasurable benefits for both employers and employees. By embracing wellness offerings in your company, not only can you boost the wellness of your staff, but you boost the wellness of your company for years to come. Seriously!
Whereas wellness programming was once considered a perk, it’s now becoming a must-have. A 2015 survey by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 75% of employers indicated their companies offered a wellness program, resource, or service to employees.
Why are companies starting to notice the positive and sizable benefits of wellness programs now? Well, with screen-time increasing, work-life balance constantly being blurred, and the rise of hustle culture, employees around the country are getting burned out — and there’s data to back this up.
According to the American Institute of Stress, a shocking 94% of the American workforce reported experiencing workplace stress in 2019. What’s more, is that 50% of Millennials and 75% of Gen Zs have quit their jobs due to mental health issues, according to a different report on Harvard Business Review. These stats paint a very real picture: companies must take wellness more seriously for the good of their employees.
While the stats are alarming, the awesome news is the solutions are easy.
By providing stress-management resources, team-building exercises, and structured wellness programming (like guided meditation), your company can not just offer wellness but embed wellness into your company culture — which could lead to long-term positive impacts (and an ROI in joy). Still not convinced? Below are our four top reasons for embracing wellness programming.
1. Employees who take advantage of wellness are more productive and engaged
Companies with wellness programs often report that employees are more productive, engaged, and motivated. Wellness programs, like the ones we offer at Antoinette Beauchamp, are often rooted in things like helping employees communicate better, build team support, regulate stress, and increase confidence. These programs can help workers approach their roles more focused and with a positive mindset. Plus, many studies (such as this one and this one) prove that employers who embrace employee wellness programs continually report improved employee productivity.
2. Valuing wellness programming shows employees you value their wellbeing
By prioritizing wellness, you show your employees that you prioritize them — and, trust us, they notice. The American Psychological Association found that 91% of employees at companies that support wellbeing say they feel motivated to do their best. The positive benefits don’t stop there.
In the 2017 Workplace Wellness Survey Report, it was reported that “employees in companies who offer employee wellness programs and initiatives are 67% more satisfied than employees in companies who don’t have an employee wellness program.” By offering more wellness options, you’re sending a clear message to your staff that you value their wellbeing — in and out of the workplace.
3. Improving wellness programming improves company culture
Wellness programming brings employees together and builds camaraderie. With many employees working remotely, this interaction and connection are more important than ever. Remote work aside, a survey by Virgin HealthMiles Inc. found that upwards of 77% of employees think that employee wellness programs positively impact the company culture. Not only does this positively affect your culture today, but it can positively impact your company’s culture in the future.
The same survey found that about 87% of employees said they consider wellness offerings when choosing an employer, AND the American Psychological Association found that 89% of employees (at companies that support wellbeing efforts) are more likely to recommend their company as a good place to work. Now that’s a perk any company can get behind!
4. Remote work begs for remote wellness options
Now that the lines between home and office are blurred, wellness is absolutely critical. With many companies turning to remote work, earlier versions of wellness programs like massages and healthy lunches may not be possible. Thankfully, there are plenty of remote wellness options. For instance, all of our corporate workshops, meditations, and programs are available virtually.
Just because your employees are now working from home doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t still get access to wellness programming. In fact, employees are actually reporting that they’re working more hours now that they’re working remotely. Yet another reason to adopt wellness programming to give your staff a well-deserved break!
At Antoinette Beauchamp, we’ve been trusted by companies like Google, HeyMama, Pernod Ricard, Eau Palm Beach, GREATS, and more to bring wellness to the office. If you want to learn more about bringing a virtual workshop, meditation, or presentation to your team, contact our team today.
Need help convincing your boss or culture team? Read this post (which even includes an email template you can use)!