Top 10 reasons to address employee wellbeing

The success of any company depends very heavily on the productivity and work performance of its human resources. The ability to function and perform at a high level consistently is greatly aided by Employee Wellness Programs. Wellness Programs focus on the physical and mental wellbeing of employees, looking after medical requirements and ensuring personal health is a priority.

Top ten reasons why your company needs an Employee Wellness Program.

1. Decreased Health Care Costs
The implementation of Wellness Programs has proven effective in reducing company health care costs. Wellness Programs significantly reduce the high company cost of employee health care.

2. Reduced Sick Leave
Wellness Programs have had a lasting impact on the cost of sick leave through education, training and lifestyle management. For more information see Health Work Wellbeing.

3. Workplace Morale
Wellness Programs cover a broad range of healthcare initiatives. From nutritional advice to exercise programs and medical cover these programs look after diverse employee needs. The effectiveness of a Wellness Program in terms of the office environment is simple. Employees are healthy therefore on the whole a lot happier; this equates to maximized performance. They are also aware that the company is taking measures to ensure their health and wellbeing and this breeds loyalty and responsibility.

4. Reduced Absenteeism
There are many factors that influence a person's health and wellbeing. These could be minor inflictions such as a cold or flu or major such as heart problems or obesity. Any of these could result in the employee taking time off work. The benefit of a Wellness Program is that this time will be significantly reduced, if not avoided all together. There are many small changes in lifestyle that can influence overall health and wellbeing. A Wellness Program identifies these, educates and implements them. Through education, training and professional healthcare a Wellness Program can greatly reduce absenteeism. For your company this is the bottom line, reduced absenteeism equals a reduction in costs and an increase in productivity.

5. Reduced Overall Costs
Employee Wellness Programs have a range of benefits for employers. Both quantifiable figures and intangible results highlight these. For the company as a whole one of the most significant benefits is the reduction in overall company costs. It is hard to quantify what you gain via increased morale, productivity and work performance however the reduced sick leave, absenteeism and lower health costs contribute to a sizable reduction in overall costs.

6. Increased Productivity
The main aim of an Employee Wellness Program is to encourage employees to lead healthier lifestyles. This is effected through education, incentives and healthcare directed by the company and the Wellness Program. It is proven that when an employee is healthy they are more productive. Being healthy increases concentration, energy levels and output. It also ensures you are able to consistently perform at the desired level. Increased productivity in the work place is a by-product of the success of Wellness Programs.

7. Increased Responsibility
An Employee Wellness Program indicates to employees that the company cares about their wellbeing. While it is common knowledge that these programs benefit employers, the benefits are mutual. A well taken care of employee feels an affiliation with the company, they develop a level of responsibility associated with their work. This type of attitude within the workplace is invaluable. An employee that feels like the company takes an interest in their wellbeing and health will take an interest in performing to the best of their ability.

8. Increased Company Loyalty
Increased employee loyalty is another significant selling point for Employee Wellness Programs. This is one of those intangible benefits that you really can't put a price on. Company loyalty means reduced costs in terms of recruitment and turnover. This also makes for a more harmonious working environment.

9. Improved Work Performance
Employee Wellness Programs cater for all manner of health and lifestyle problems. The aim is to promote healthy lifestyle choices to reduce the amount of medical attention required. Lower medical costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Employees who participate in these programs have noted a substantial improvement in work performance.

10. Decreased Health Insurance Costs
Health insurance premiums are rising exponentially every year. The cost is rapidly rising to the point where employers have to find new ways to reduce their health expenses. Wellness Programs have shown incredible returns and remarkable results. Health costs for those companies using Employee Wellness Programs are significantly reduced.

The health of your staff is important to the health of your business.

A healthy workforce makes for a healthy business.

30 million working days are lost each year to occupational ill health and injury.

Sickness absence costs employers in the UK at least £12 billion each year.

UK absentee rates in 2004 reached an all time high of 9 days per employee per year - with a cost to UK businesses of over £12bn. (source: The Work Foundation)

The United Kingdom Population has the highest prevalence of obesity among all those tested in Europe (including 21 other Countries).

Two-thirds of men and approaching 60% of women are now either overweight or obese.

Over 24% of women over 16 yrs old in the West Midlands are obese (BMI > 30) Health Profile of England Report October 2006.

Stress-related conditions and musculoskeletal disorders are now the most common causes of work-related sickness absence.

Those off sick with back pain for six months have only a 50% chance of returning to work; after a year that chance reduces to 25% (CSAG report on back pain, 1994).

Less than 25% of women and 37% of men are meeting the Chief Medical Officer's exercise recommendations of half an hour of moderate intensity physical activity, at least 3 days per week.

Employees involved in corporate fitness programmes take 5 sick days less per annum than colleagues not on a programme. (source: Prudential Insurance Company research)

Exercisers can work at full efficiency all day, giving a 12.5% increase in productivity. (source: Prudential Insurance Company research)

Exercise boosts the immune system, so helps combat colds and flu, fights stress hormones and encourages production of 'feel good' hormones.

So do you want to differentiate your company from the competitors to attract better employees? Do you also want to get more out of your employees and retain them for longer? If so, our corporate wellness packages can be tailored to suit your requirements and could be just what you're looking for.

Lovely & Healthy can help you to encourage your staff to improve their health and wellbeing

Click here to view testimonials from companies we have worked with.

© Lovely & Healthy 2008.