The concept of workplace wellness has been on the minds of industry leaders since the Industrial Revolution when a mandatory limit on working hours was put in place for the safety of factory workers. While much has changed since the implementation of one of the first workplace wellness ideas—the 8-hour workday—one idea still rings true to this day: If you take care of your employees, they will take care of your business.
Ways to promote workplace well-being can range from hosting informational sessions and team contests to selecting corporate wellness gifts for employees. Ideas like these have proven to be vital in both recruitment and retention of high-quality employees, with research showing that 70% of employees enrolled in workplace wellness programs reported higher job satisfaction than those who were not participating [pdf].
The same survey found that 53% of employees reported being at least somewhat likely to accept a job offer with a lower compensation but a comprehensive wellness package [pdf]. Use innovative ideas to boost engagement in wellness programs. You’ll reap the benefits of a workplace culture that’s focused on care and well-being and, in turn, increase your team’s job satisfaction.
Group activities for wellness
Engaging in group activities that foster teamwork and friendly competition, such as step challenges, can have significant benefits for employee wellness. Research shows that participating in these contests has positive effects on health, including reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress—all leading risk factors for health.
Keep the momentum going by holding prize drawings for participants who meet or exceed their step goals. A high-end sports tumbler or belt bag are great motivators.
Voluntary competitions and intramural teams are group activities that could be integrated into the work culture to promote employee wellness. Announce a monthly challenge and encourage employees to track their steps. Or survey your employees to find out which sports people would be interested in playing: dodgeball, soccer, disc golf—the options are endless! Provide the teams with matching jerseys that will have the added bonus of making your brand more visible.
Create regular opportunities for in-person (and virtual) fitness classes, like yoga, to help reduce employee stress and reinforce a healthy work environment. Or consider making morning stretches a regular part of the team’s schedule. Give everyone a set of exercise bands and get together in the break room, or virtually, for a healthy start to the day.
Encourage an office culture of wellness
A healthy culture within the physical office environment is essential for fostering employee well-being and productivity. Research shows that employees often emulate the health behaviors and habits of their leaders, making it particularly beneficial for company executives to lead by example when it comes to health and wellness.
Business leaders who keep employee well-being in mind can actively encourage staff to prioritize their health too. Opt for healthy lunch choices or bring a lunch from home. And provide healthy snack options, like trail mix, in the office breakrooms. Engage in physical activity. Hold walking meetings or hit the gym at lunch. Spending one-on-one time to catch up with team members on personal matters shows them that you care and serves as a reminder to take time to connect at work.
By prioritizing their own well-being, leaders can inspire their team to do the same. This proactive approach to managing employee wellness can significantly impact the health and morale of the team.
Think outside the box of traditional wellness
Organizations can help to mitigate risk factors for poor health, particularly stress. Research shows that 83% of workers struggle with work-related stress, which can have an impact on employee health and absenteeism. Innovative workplace wellness ideas that go beyond traditional wellness programs often involve bringing in experts to address various aspects of well-being.
Host specialist-led sessions that can provide employees with valuable tools to mitigate stress in their professional and personal lives. Consider financial counseling, a breakdown of benefits, and stress management courses focused on topics like mindfulness, which has been shown to decrease stress and absenteeism within organizations.
Reinforce training by giving participants a small giveaway like a journal to take notes in or affirmation cards to keep the momentum going.
To promote these events and encourage attendance, explore creative wellness gifts for employees. Wellness kits that include a cushion for meditation and a set of massage balls for self-care serve as great reminders to take care. Or contribute to a more positive workplace atmosphere by making your next corporate wellness gift a plant. Research has shown that even a small amount of nature, like a potted plant, can promote relaxation.
Well-being for all
By addressing risk factors and promoting a holistic approach to employee well-being, wellness programs can have a transformative impact on employee health and workplace culture. Combine fresh workplace wellness ideas with a culture that’s focused on care, and your organization can meet the demands of its current workforce and attract new talent that prioritizes healthy values.