Employee wellness and well-being are significant factors in the efficiency of a company's operations. Naturally, companies have started to institute wellness initiatives that can help employees reach their highest potential. Not all of these initiatives have been successful, as some of them focus more on the benefits to the business over the employee. This results in a system that doesn't perform the task it's designed for.
These 12 employee wellness initiatives, as described by professionals from Forbes Human Resources Council, work remarkably well. Below, we examine how they seek to benefit the employees of a company and why they are so effective.
1. Mental Illness First Aid Certification
The National Council for Behavioral Health has an incredible program: Mental Health First Aid. It is akin to CPR. At least one member of the HR team should be certified. Employees are under increasing stress, and if we can recognize a problem prior to an incident, it benefits all. Plus, the goal is to take the stigma from mental illness. I am a certified instructor and I know this program works. - Patricia Sharkey, IMI People
2. Flexible Time-Away-From-Work Programs
Implementing a flexible workplace initiative can create an environment where people have the opportunity to be their best selves at and away from work, in a way that suits their lifestyles. With a program like this, not only are you showing your commitment to people's well-being, but also potentially creating a fulfilling workplace experience and optimal business results. - Lisa Sterling, Ceridian
3. Emotional Wellness Programs
Beyond the classics -- step contests and weight loss initiatives -- employees also value opportunities to improve their emotional wellness. Quiet rooms on campus give employees space to meditate, rest or reflect during the day. Walking trails or outdoor sitting areas can help employees get outside to enjoy the sunshine. Plants in the office can be very calming, and add a fresh pop of color. - Courtney Pace, Ph.D., FedEx Employees Credit Assoc.
4. Wellness Ambassadors
An easy way to get employees involved in being "well" is to create a group that meets once a month. We call them "Wellness Ambassadors." They are tasked to spread the word about whatever wellness topics are covered during the meeting in their environments and create healthy challenges for their teams! It is a cost-effective, easy and fun way to spread wellness in your organization! - Tina Barte, HASELWOOD AUTO GROUP
5. Mindful Pauses
Stress is one of the top factors for poor health. Consider eliminating back-to-back meetings and institute 15 mindful minutes between meetings. Use guided mindfulness breaks once a month -- several are offered online including through Brown University. Mindful pauses lead to better health outcomes. - Cat Graham, Cheer Partners
6. Walking Meetings
Not every meeting needs to be held at a conference table. By getting out of the office and holding occasional meetings on the move, it improves circulation and increases the amount of oxygen to the brain, allowing a better flow of ideas. Additionally, walking meetings prevent attendees from being distracted by their phones and computers, enabling them to contribute to discussions. - John Feldmann, Insperity
7. In-House Yoga
Yoga and meditation has been proven to reduce stress. This is why bringing in a yoga instructor -- even just once a week -- could be a great way to help employees de-stress the high demands of a fast-paced, performance-driven organization. - Angela Persaud, G/O Media
8. Massage Therapy
We've seen great results from a body therapist who comes to our office for monthly visits. He also corrects our chairs and desks to suit individual height, and gives individual exercises to compensate for sitting all day. Our offices have adjustable desks so we're able to sit and stand during work. And we compliment these efforts with mindful breaks during the workday to recharge. - Anne Iversen, TimeXtender
9. Health Exchange Program
Given the rising cost of healthcare, a more customized approach to benefit programs is important, particularly when it comes to health insurance. Participating in a health exchange program can improve the employee experience by offering for more choice and empowering employees to select a medical insurance plan that best suits their own health and financial priorities. - Kelly Ann Doherty, Mr. Cooper Group
10. Financial Wellness
Financial wellness is a key focus area for wellness programs today! The data shows that most employees experience financial stress, which affects performance at work. Financial wellness programs and applications help employees with budgeting, planning, investing and goal-setting, to create better financial security and reduce stress! - Diane Strohfus, Betterworks.com
11. Themed Wellness Days
Catering healthy meals on a certain day of the week -- think "Wellness Wednesdays" -- can be a great way to promote healthy eating habits among employees and curb afternoon snacking, at least for the day. You can also combine this with other initiatives like "Fit Fridays," where employees are encouraged to compete to get the highest number of steps during the workday or reach some other fitness goal. - Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations, Inc.
12. Wellness Challenges
Wellness challenges are a fun way to gamify wellness. Employees can earn points and badges for any and all activities that they complete and they have a choice in what those activities are -- physical wellness, mental wellness, etc. They can form teams and compete as individuals or groups. - Lotus Buckner, NCH
