Workplace Wellness Programs

Workplace wellness programsbenefit both employer and employee. For many companies, workplace wellnessprograms have become a valuable asset by lowering costs in absenteeism and workrelated injuries as well as disability management costs and worker'scompensation claims.

Studies have found thatemployee absenteeism is directly related to four primary factors. Depression,anxiety and other mental health disorders topped the list at 66% while stresscame in a close second at 60%. Negative relationship with a supervisor ormanager yielded 44% and co worker conflict in the workplace was at 28%. Thesefactors can be effectively combated by employing workplace wellness programs.Conflict resolution programs, mental health programs and stress managementcourses have not only become popular, but have proven to be very effective.

Research spanning more than adecade has consistently shown workplace wellness programs to be financiallyeffective and that every dollar invested on a corporate wellness program canreturn $2.30 and $10.10 by reducing absenteeism, sick day usage and by loweringinsurance costs. Additionally it is noted that there are marked improvements inemployee performance and productivity in organizations that implement aworkplace wellness program.

Healthy organizations enjoyincreased employee morale and an improved ability to attract and retain keypeople. Additionally, employees are more alert and productive. For instance,Coca Cola reports that they save an estimated $500 a year per employee oncethey implemented a fitness program in which 60% of their employees participate.Coors Brewing Company reported that employees who participated in theirworkplace wellness programs reduced their absentee rate by 18%.

Employees enjoy their share ofbenefits from workplace wellness programs too. A healthy lifestyle affectsevery part of a person's life, including their work environment. Workplacewellness programs result in fewer injuries, less human error and a workenvironment that is more harmonious and relaxed. Additionally, employees whowork at a company that implements a workplace wellness program know that theirorganization is concerned about their health and wellness. Employees oftenreport a reduction in their stress levels due to workplace wellness programs.

As employees feel better, morerelaxed, more valued and more human to their company; they enjoy an increase inproductivity. This increase in productivity, while beneficial to the company,is also essential to the employee as it increases their own sense of self worthand confidence levels. Employees who feel successful and who feel that theyaccomplish goals are overall happier and in a better frame of mind.