20 Effective Health and Wellness Programs: Enhancing the Success of a Workplace

Every year, one in five employees across the U.S. experiences mental illnesses. But only one in three who need help will get it. Thus, many either avoid going to work or lose productivity.

Many organizations have launched workplace wellness programs. Now, it's time to check their effectiveness. The guide lists 20 effective health and wellness programs that can help employers create a healthy and efficient workplace. 

Corporate Mental Health & Wellness Programs: The Significance

Businesses deploy employee wellness programs to promote mental and physical well-being. In a study, more than 61% of workers believe that the wellness programs implemented in their companies helped them to live healthier. Millennials expect comfort and support from employers more than any other age group. They also care about tips to manage stress and anxiety at work. These programs have benefits, including:

• Lower health care costs
• Improves employee morale and team collaboration
• Decreases absenteeism and attracts new talent 
• Reduces stress and boosts engagement 
• Reduces the risk of diseases and promotes healthy behaviors
• Increases productivity and teamwork
• Promotes a good work-life balance

Here are the 20 most popular health and wellness programs being implemented by employers worldwide:

1. Yoga Classes

Introducing employees to yoga classes can boost their mental and physical well-being. The yoga poses (asanas) can lower stress levels and physical pain. It reduces absenteeism and is very cost-effective.

2. Lunch and Snacks for Better Health

Centers for Disease Control research US companies lose more than USD 225 billion annually due to productivity losses caused by obesity and poor health. Employers can change this situation by stocking their pantries with healthy food or snacks.

3. Financial Counseling

Financial matters often lead to causing stress among employees and impact their mental well-being in the workplace. Employers can help by offering financial counseling to overcome workplace anxiety. 

4. Volunteer Opportunities

Employee volunteer programs have proven to be an effective ways of overcoming workplace anxiety. They help bring employees together, boost teamwork, and improve a sense of belonging.

5. Wellness Challenges

Workplace wellness challenges help employees and their close ones develop healthy habits. The implementation of workplace mental health programs is also important as they lower anxiety, stress, and burnout in the workplace. Some of these challenges include:

• Drink more water
• Meditate
• Start a journal
• Bike or walk to work
• Support small businesses
• Take the stairs
• Vegan Mondays
• 10,000 steps a day

6. Smoking Cessation Programs

WHO declared smoking as the biggest public health menace to date. Although this is purely and simply an employee's decision to quit or not, a program aimed at cessation may be of great help to them.

7. On-Site Fitness Centers

On-site fitness centers help staff improve their physical and mental well-being. Encouragement towards fitness proves to be the most effective corporate health and wellness program.

8. Working Hour Flexibility

Employees can concentrate on achieving a work-life balance through flexible working hours and stress reduction. The flexibility helps them focus better on their job as well as their personal life.

9. Employee Activity Clubs

Employee activity clubs can facilitate physical well-being and collaboration between employees. The clubs can conduct activities like walking, cycling, etc., fostering a healthy way of life.

10. On-site Employee Counseling

The initiative makes professional support for employees' mental health needs very accessible. Such mental health programs showcase an organization's willingness to address employees' emotional needs for a safe and inclusive workplace.

11. Remote Working

Employers need to encourage a remote working culture because it allows for a flexible mode of work and eliminates the rush of commuting. The program is also likely to promote employee work-life balance and enhance worker well-being.

12. Acknowledge Employee Success

Appreciating employees' success promotes a favorable, motivating environment to work. Recognizing both the individual success of the staff as well as teamwork helps ensure celebrations take place periodically to remind and encourage success cultures.

13. Childcare Facilities

On-site or subsidized childcare makes it easier for working parents. It gives them the convenience and peace of mind to balance work and home life. These initiatives show that an organization cares about employees with families. They help reduce stress and promote work-life balance.

14. Wellness Newsletter

A wellness newsletter can provide informative articles on several well-being parameters. Tips on mindfulness and healthy living exercises and news on wellness programs in the workplace can keep employees well-informed.

15. Nutrition Awareness

These programs can also be implemented as workshops or seminars on nutrition education to enable better nutrition practices and benefit the greater good of the workers.

16. Vaccination Clinics

Having vaccination clinics in the workplace or distributing information can help employees put their health first. Companies that provide vaccinations show that they are concerned about employees' health. 

17. Employee Field Days

Field days with team-building, sporting, or fun competitions among employees foster camaraderie. They facilitate the construction of teamwork and promote a positive work-life balance.

18. Book Club

Providing a book club at a workplace can help employees communicate with one another, boosting teamwork. It also flourishes employee well-being and self-improvement and enhances creativity.

19. Subsidized Ongoing Education

When employers provide subsidized educational programs, they show their commitment to the long-term success and well-being of employees.

20. Virtual Exercise Challenges

Virtual exercise challenges utilize technology to get workers on the move, regardless of their location. Such challenges may involve step tracking, virtual fitness sessions, or competitions through wellness apps. They promote physical activity and build camaraderie among remote teams.

VR Therapy for Overcoming Workplace Anxiety

Integrating VR solutions in the workplace isn't only about relaxation. VR isn't meant to replace traditional therapy. It provides a new tool that can help millions boost their mental health.

Cognihab provides a Virtual Reality mindfulness solution that helps manage workplace stress. In this Mindful Peace Journey, users can enjoy calming virtual settings, soothing voiceovers, and relaxing music. Cognihab's VR solution uses advanced VR tech and proven relaxation methods. It will answer how to deal with an employee with depression.

Also read, How to Deal with an Employee with Depression? 11 Practical Recommendations

Bottom Line

Health and wellness programs for employees help build a healthy, supportive environment where they can grow. Over the years, the sophistication of the programs has grown and the best ones take it to the next level. A culture of expectations in the workplace towards employee well-being is also a part of it. Businesses that make employee well-being programs priorities can look forward to long-term success.

Partner with Cognihab today and get ready to construct your happy, healthy workplace!