The notion of Wellness in the workplace is a concept that many companies are still coming to grips with.  Some employers associate wellness with physical health and therefore feel that as long as people are functioning, this is something that employees do not need help with.  Yet, fortunately, most organisations these days appreciate that over and above physical wellness, workplace wellness is also concerned with mental and emotional health. Especially in the current South African socio-economic climate, it is indeed a critical area in which to invest since sustaining employee health can have a demonstratable positive impact on business performance.   

What exactly is Workplace Wellness?

Workplace wellness is concerned with promoting health activities and policies within the organisation that reinforce positive employee health and behaviour.  From medical screenings and health education interventions to fitness programs, there are numerous sources that organisations can tap into to cultivate a company culture of good health.

Businesses that invest in human capital are well-versed in terms of the benefits of workplace wellness.  They appreciate that it naturally follows that happy employees are more inclined to perform better, take the initiative, better manage their time, and find ways to improve productivity.

Why is Workplace Wellness a critical factor in the World of Work?

In light of the recent pandemic and the resulting changes globally in the World of Work, organisations should be willing to invest the necessary time, resources, and policies that champion employee health initiatives.   Today, workplace wellness is even more critical, given the socio-economic and political climate of the world we live in.

Here are the main reasons why organisations should make employee health a top priority:

• Healthy employees are more engaged in their work and are less inclined to rack up exorbitant costs in terms of healthcare expenses and medical aid.
• Employees who are well-cared-for tend to meet with fewer road accidents or other calamities since they don’t suffer as much from burnout or stress-related ailments.
• Healthy employees do not clock up excessive sick leave days.
• When employees are happy to work at a company, the company’s reputation is enhanced and talent acquisition and retention are significantly enriched.

Boosting Health and Wellness Programs

Pinpointing potential health risks and unhealthy behaviours is a good starting point for organisations to promote a healthy workforce.  Wellness programs that emphasise the ill effects of poor eating habits, drug abuse, stress, as well as emotional distress induced by work-related issues can address many critical employee pain points.  To effectively implement these programs, organisations should:

• Invest in the most appropriate healthcare policies that incorporate the broader elements of physical, emotional and mental health as they apply to the modern workplace.
• Involve dedicated specialists to oversee wellness programs that include one-on-one sessions with employees.
• Reinforce the importance of regular employee health assessments that allow employees to address any underlying risks or concerns that relate to physical, mental, and emotional health.
• A proactive leader will seek assistance from relevant specialists involved in the Employee Wellbeing Program to help employees to understand that people at all levels of the organisation are not immune to health issues.   Fostering a supportive environment that encourages employees to speak up when they have a problem without fear of retribution or that their issue may be perceived as a weakness, will go a long way towards making people feel more comfortable. In these circumstances, they know that they have dedicated support in the healthy and effective execution of their duties and responsibilities.

Wellness-promoting tips for employees

Often, there is nothing better than feeling good, full of energy, and inspired to be at the top of one’s game both in the workplace and in other areas of life.  And while not every day will be perfect, one can nevertheless make every effort to establish a healthy lifestyle with all-round benefits.  Here are a few tips to help you achieve small yet vital wellness goals:

• Create a clutter-free workstation by placing things back where they belong.  Find a place for everything and put everything in its place.
• Set your phone alarm to go off every hour so that you are prompted to take regular breaks to stretch, go for a walk, and have a drink of water.
• Make meditation part of your regular routine.  Even book a conference room and invite a few co-workers to join you for a meditation session at a mutually agreed time at the office.  This is not only a healthy mental practice but also fosters employee unity.
• Make it a point to eat healthily to sustain energy levels.
• Put a plant or two around your workstation to create a space of zen and comfort while you are working.

Best practices for creating wellness in the workplace

In the past ten years, corporate wellness practices have grown significantly.  Here are some of the best practices that have emerged:

Developing an Annual Operating Plan

Developing an Annual Operating Plan assists organisations in evaluating existing circumstances to establish which programs will be of benefit to both employees and the organisation.

Establishing a Wellness Team

Establishing a dedicated wellness team that focuses on a healthcare plan can make a huge difference.   The formation of a wellness team goes a long way toward promoting a culture of wellness within the organisation.  Members of this team should be chosen based on their relevant experience and ability to take on the responsibility of running a wellness program.

Offering Employees Lifestyle Coaching Programs

Lifestyle coaching programs go a long way toward empowering and inspiring people to navigate obstacles both in the workplace and in their personal lives. 

Fostering a supportive environment

Those organisations that are either revamping or implementing employee wellness programs for the first time should position Employee Wellness as a benefit and not a perk and should ensure that such forms part of the employment package that includes healthcare, paid leave etc.

Communicating Effectively

Effective communication is key in getting everyone on the same page since without it employers will not be able to fully understand the needs of their employees and risk spending huge amounts of money on wellness plans and programs that do not work.

Regularly evaluate wellness program outcomes

In the same way companies rely on statistics and performance metrics in order to track marketing initiatives for example, likewise, it is important to track, measure and evaluate the health of the workforce and adjust wellness programs as necessary.

To recap on the importance of creating and sustaining a healthy workforce, when employees feel that a wellness program is part of their everyday lives they are more inclined to embrace and benefit from it.  Therefore, employers should aim to make wellness initiatives part of the everyday work scenario to encourage employees to be the best that they can be.

Reference sources: Wellsteps.com

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