Sheakley Updates

Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs

Ella Baker
Benefits of Workplace Wellness Programs
Reading time 4 Mins
Published on Jun 13
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A human resources trend for a number of years, workplace wellness programs can offer many benefits to your employees. Like any other benefit or incentive program, the long-term success of these programs lies with employee buy-in and actual support from management. Discover how a workplace wellness program could benefit your workforce.

Reduce health care costs

One of the long-term benefits of wellness programs is reduced health care costs. An effective, well-executed program can lead to healthier behavior and lasting lifestyle changes for employees. These changes can help employees achieve overall long-term health, reducing the likelihood of illness or injury. Fewer doctor visits, less medication, a reduction in heart disease related behaviors, and weight loss mean a reduction in health care costs and potentially lower quotes on group health care benefits plans. Another benefit of fewer illnesses is a reduction in employee absenteeism.

Increase productivity

An additional benefit of wellness programs is increased productivity. When employees are engaged in programs that emphasize exercise and eating well, their brains are better able to focus on tasks and they feel more energized and motivated to complete work activities. Better concentration and higher energy means that you’ll get more output from your employees while also helping them to become better, healthier versions of themselves. According to the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, companies recoup an average of $353 per employee in productivity per year after the implementation of workplace wellness programs.

Improve morale and engagement

Employee wellness programs can also help boost employee morale and engagement, leading to improved retention. Employees of companies that offer workplace wellness programs often feel that their job has a more positive impact on their lives in general, leading them to stay in positions for a longer period. Your company could also use your workplace wellness program as a recruiting tool. Showing potential employees that you’re invested in their overall health can give you a competitive advantage over other companies that don’t offer these programs. A well-executed program could reduce your recruiting, hiring, and training costs over time.

Reduce workers’ compensation costs

Finally, your wellness program can mean considerable reductions in workers’ compensation costs and reduce the number of injuries sustained by employees. A strategic program should include workplace health initiatives that take a proactive approach to increasing overall health and, more specifically, decreasing health issues that affect employees in your industry. By creating an employee wellness and safety education committee that is devoted to health problems that correlate with injuries in your field, you can incorporate activities and programs that positively impact employee health and improve safety. This cross-promotional approach can lead to a significant reduction in the number of workers’ compensation claims made year-over-year, thus a reduction in your annual premiums.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers a Workplace Wellness Grant Program that can help you fund the startup of your program. The purpose of the program is to provide monetary assistance to employers who want to start a new wellness program. Eligible employees will receive $300 per employee over a four-year period, up to a total of $15,000. Employers are required to submit annual reports and year-end case studies related to their program.

Your Sheakley workers’ compensation experts can help you determine if you qualify for the program and if participation is right for your company.

Discover the rewards of workplace wellness for your business

An effective workplace wellness program can offer huge benefits to your company and your employees. By helping your employees achieve their wellness goals, you can realize cost-savings, increase productivity, and many other benefits. An effective program can create and promote a healthy culture, while vastly improving employee health, both mental and physical. This boost in health and morale will have a positive impact on employee efficiencies and will help drive success within the company.

 

 

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