4 Companies with Brilliant Workplace Wellness Strategies

From IBM to The Motley Fool, the biggest companies understand exactly how critical workplace wellness truly is. We look at four inspiring success stories and discuss the impact of emerging workplace wellness trends.

In a fast-paced and dynamic business environment, the importance of workplace wellness cannot be overstated.  An effective corporate wellness strategy will help improve employee engagement, lower sick day frequency, and foster a genuine sense of involvement among your employees. Today, we look at how some the biggest and most successful companies in the world are doubling down on employee health and leveraging contemporary workplace wellness trends to drive business outcomes.

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The Motley Fool Pays to Have Employees Participate in Physical Activities (such as Long-Distance Running)

The global stock advisory giant actively encourages employees to use a variety of healthcare facilities available in-house. The company even uses online channels like Mashable to share monthly newsletters, highlighting one employee who has been recognized by peers for proactive excellence in wellness. Motley Fool also tries to establish a ‘wellness culture’ by designating a role titled ‘Chief Wellness Fool’.

Finally, the company invests in an employee’s personal well-being by offering 50% reimbursements on entering any long-distance running initiatives. This has demonstrated tangible results with Motley Fool’s corporate wellness participation rates at an impressive 86%. Opens a new window

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Houston Methodist Gives out Free Fitbits

Obviously, as healthcare is their business, the Houston Methodist Hospital Network has a clearly defined and robust corporate wellness strategy. At the core of their workplace wellness programs lies the usage of wearables such as FitbitOpens a new window , and a consistent focus on physical activity as part of daily tasks. Till date, the organization has distributed over 11,000 Fitbit devices in addition to conducting biometric screening to help accurately evaluate fitness goals.

“The benefits of a wearable based wellness program extend beyond ROI as they increase productivity, dedication, and time spent on the job. Strong wellness programs are believed to reduce absenteeism while promoting productivity, increasing the efficiency of employees from an economic perspective. In addition to the physical repercussions of lacking a wellness program, unhealthy employees are more likely to disengage and are 43% more likely to have increased stress and anxiety,” explains Opens a new window Dr. Kevan Orvitz, CEO at wellness tech company MEGAComfort.

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Asana Offers its Employees Unlimited Paid Time Off

At first glance, this could seem counterproductive, in reality, this strategy Opens a new window has helped Asana’s workforce maintain a healthy work-life balance, increasing productivity, and reducing absenteeism.

In addition to providing unlimited PTO, Asana has on-site Yoga facilities, three meals prepared with organic ingredients within the office premises, and a company-wide ban on Wednesday meetings. All of this in conjunction, with career mentoring solutions and wellness workshops, puts this software company at the forefront of corporate wellness innovation.

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IBM Invests in Wellness and Saves Nearly $190 Million in Healthcare Costs

IBM motivates its workforce to make healthier decisions by offering them a chance to earn money. It provides four different twelve-week programs Opens a new window (diet & nutrition, children & family health, physical fitness, and personal vitality) in-line with the average time taken by an individual to institute real, meaningful change. Participation is voluntary and upon completion, employees will receive $150 as a part of their paychecks.

Interestingly, IBM’s corporate wellness program is entirely online, with web-based check-in, personalized goal setting, participation records, and progress monitoring.

IBM has witnessed exceptional participation rates, with 80% of their 432,000 strong workforce signing up for at least one program every year. While nearly half successfully complete the program (leading to a direct cost to the company), IBM actually saved close to $190 million in just two years — by improving employee wellness levels, reducing healthcare reimbursements, and pushing overall productivity.

Also read: 3 Ways Technology Can Help Reduce Healthcare CostsOpens a new window  

A Final Word

Workplace wellness programs like these, illustrate how modern employers don’t shy away from investing in their employee’s health. By utilizing creative ideas, smart motivational tactics, and cutting-edge corporate wellness technologies, it is now easier than ever before to strike a balance between employee wellbeing and organizational health.

Which of these stories inspired you to rethink corporate wellness in 2019? Share your thoughts in the comments below.