Are corporate wellness programs actually effective? It comes down to execution and design. Companies put these programs in place with a goal of making employees happier, healthier, and, in turn, more productive. While research shows that corporate wellness programs can positively impact employee well-being and productivity, if they are not properly implemented, the return on investment is minimal. To truly see the benefits of corporate wellness, you must take a holistic approach to building the program, considering all of the aspects that affect employee well-being. We are here to walk you through how to create a program that is both meaningful to your workforce and effective at growing your bottom line in the long run.  

The Importance of Wellness at Work

The benefits of corporate wellness programs go beyond improving physical health. When employees are healthier, they also tend to feel less stressed and more rested, energized, and motivated throughout the day. This leads to better performance at work. In addition, corporate wellness programs offer more opportunities for employees to engage with one another, from fitness challenges to activity groups. 

Research from JLL shows that 60 to 70 percent of employees who have access to health and wellbeing amenities use them on a weekly basis. By allowing employees to de-stress and interact outside of the office, these amenities help build stronger company culture and boost team morale. Finally, a well-designed corporate wellness program is a great way to attract new employees to your organization. Many of today’s candidates rank wellness programs high on their list of desired benefits. By offering these programs, your organization is more likely to stand out in candidates’ minds.  

Planning your Program

Creating your corporate wellness program can take time. To implement the program successfully, it is important to check all of the boxes during the planning stage. We have created a list of the important steps to take when getting started.  

STEP 1: Survey Employees

The best place to start when building a corporate wellness program is your employees. Conducting a survey on employees’ lifestyles and habits can help you understand what they want out of a wellness program and how it will be received. With this information, you can make a more educated decision on which amenities and incentives to include in your program. 

Another great way to ensure employee needs are being met is by creating a wellness committee. This committee should be composed of individuals from all levels and departments. The committee’s role can include building, implementing, and evaluating the program, as well as gaining support from other employees. 

STEP 2: Determine Your Budget

After you have completed employee surveys, it’s time to determine your budget for the program. This budget should include the cost of incentives, vendors, and any promotional materials you need to roll out the program. By establishing a thorough budget early, you can avoid issues and delays later in the process.

STEP 3: Configure Program Components

With employee surveys and an established budget, you’re ready to start configuring the components of your program. Rather than following a generic plan, it is best to choose your program’s offerings based on the employee concerns and preferences found in the surveys. These components can include healthy habits initiatives, stress management programs, health screenings, or nutrition education. Having a solid understanding of your employees’ needs will help streamline the decision process.

STEP 4: Connect with Vendors

It is likely you will need a vendor or partner to help implement your program. Once you decide on the program components, start looking for local vendors who provide the services you need. Many gyms, for example, offer corporate wellness packages. Ascend Fitness & Spa in Key Tower offers packages for companies in and near the building. They provide full-service wellness solutions including group classes, personal trainers, and a spa, making it an ideal all-in-one option. Creating a strong local partnership can support the longevity and success of your program.  

STEP 5: Smart Incentives

Offering incentives or rewards is a great way to encourage employees to take part in your program, as well as increase engagement in the day-to-day. When choosing incentives, consider what would be the most motivating for your employees. While some companies provide monetary incentives, research shows that this may not be most beneficial long term. Instead, consider rewards such as goods or gifts that celebrate their accomplishments. Using activity trackers is a great way to both determine incentives and support healthy behaviors.

STEP 6: Roll Out Plan

Once everything above is complete, you can start rolling out your program. The most important part of this stage is effectively communicating the program benefits to your employees. This can be achieved in several ways including hosting a wellness fair, posting flyers around the office, and sending company email blasts. You want to ensure employees understand when they can start taking advantage of these benefits and how to do so. The more they know about the program, the more comfortable they will feel joining in. 

STEP 7: Evaluate

To ensure the success of the program over time, you should continually evaluate and make adjustments based on employee feedback and changing needs. You can measure participation rates, check for a reduction in health care costs, or update employee surveys. This can help you determine if employees are satisfied and if you are getting a return on your investment.

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