When you think about employee benefits, what type of offerings come to mind? Health care, dental, parental leave?
Nowadays, benefits include these and so much more. Why? Because employees, who spend at least 60% of their week at work, are looking to their employers to help them take care of their physical, mental, and financial well-being.
A newer addition to the standard benefits package is a wellness program. Per HealthCare.gov, a wellness program is "a program intended to improve and promote health and fitness that's usually offered through the workplace." These programs can include fitness resources, healthy workplace initiatives, discounts, cash rewards, gym memberships, and so much more. Here are just a few reasons to look into them.
Improve Employee Health
As we mentioned above, wellness programs can undoubtedly help improve your employees' health. The programs and perks that employers select for their program should cover various wellness options and activities.
Some initiatives can include resources specific to healthy lifestyle habits, such as nutrition, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Access to meditation, yoga, massage, and pet and laugh therapy are also great ways to help reduce stress in the workplace and promote mental health awareness. With so many components to health, the possibilities are endless.
Increase Workplace Satisfaction
An employee wellness program is also crucial for workplace satisfaction. Healthy employees are generally happier, which translates to increased productivity and a stronger business.
Employees who actively participate in their organization's wellness program also feel engaged in the workplace and care for by their employers. Plus, an overall morale boost is always a huge win.
New Talent Acquisition
Having an attractive benefits package that includes a wellness program can attract new talent to your company. Now more than ever, employees are carefully considering the contents of a compensation package and not settling for minimum benefits.
Decrease Turnover and Absenteeism
Not only can a strong wellness program attract new employees, but it can also retain current employees and reduce potential absences.
Wellness programs can foster teamwork and belong amongst employees, for example, by encouraging them to work together to meet health-related goals. Employees who feel like their health is prioritized and valued members of your team are less likely to leave.
Though sick days are usually included in the average benefits package, a wellness program may also contribute towards your employees needing fewer, which is great for everyone.
Employee Benefits You Need
Employee benefits have changed a great deal in recent years as business owners continue to see how different offerings can directly impact employee satisfaction and well-being.
There are countless pros to having a wellness program included within your benefits package. Do you currently have one in place?
Synchrony HR wants to provide you with the services you need to help your employees grow your business for the busy business owner or HR professional.
To learn more about our services, contact us for more information!