Benedict Yossarian talks about the essential aspects of what makes an employee health and wellness program in the workplace effective.

The number of corporations that set up employee wellness programs continues to rise this year. Investments in wellness programs are increasingly being given serious thought. Studies show that having a sound employee wellness scheme in place brings about benefits, not only to the workers but to the companies as well. Some of these benefits include:

• higher worker productivity
• reduced absenteeism
• a considerable boost in employee morale
• lower health care costs
• decrease in employee turnover

For a company to thrive and succeed in the market place, it is vital for it to provide its labor force with an environment that they are happy to work in. A highly productive work force translates to business success and longevity.

So what makes a good employee wellness program?

1. A well-devised fitness program – Companies should encourage its work force to be more active and they can do this by providing ample opportunities for exercise. Some companies have in-house facilities such as swimming pools, corporate gyms, basketball and tennis courts and the like. If the current location doesn’t have these facilities then perhaps companies can offer their employees free memberships at clubs and off-site fitness facilities.
2. Family-inclusive – A wellness program that includes workers’ family members is good motivation for them to keep performing well. This gives off the impression that the company is truly concerned about its workers. Fitness is a family affair and what better way to sustain fitness efforts than to get everybody in the family involved?
3. Stress reduction program – Stress in the work place is a very serious matter and is often one of the major causes of employee burn out. A good wellness scheme should address the issue of stress management by providing support programs such as counseling or other professional services designed to reduce anxiety disorders, depression and so on.
4. In-house health care facilities – Having health care services available in-house is beneficial to both employees and companies. This helps reduce medical and insurance costs and at the same time, it provides employees with immediate medical help should they require it.
5. Wellness coaching - A wellness program is likely to be more successful if there is constant support provided along with it. Employees are given assistance when it comes to monitoring physical fitness progress, motivation, counseling and discussing stress reduction techniques among others. Regular counseling sessions are also beneficial for those suffering from high risk conditions.
6. Strict implementation of no smoking rules – Smoking is one of the major contributors to serious health problems and it is important for companies to be uncompromising in its rules when it comes to smoking. It isn’t enough to set up rules, though. More importantly, there should be adequate encouragement and support for those who want to quit smoking. Some companies even go as far as counseling and providing medication to facilitate quitting.
7. Weight loss programs – Obesity is another major health risk but this can be reduced by having a well designed weight loss program. It is important that employees be encouraged to lose weight by providing opportunities for weight reduction activities. It is even more crucial that they be monitored regularly in the long term.