Prioritizing employee wellness and well-being has a direct impact on your company’s productivity. When employees are healthy and happy, they’re naturally more energized, motivated and focused.

A workforce that feels good physically and mentally is more capable of sustaining high levels of productivity, which ultimately contributes to the overall success of the organization. 

Investing in employee well-being is also the ultimate engagement hack. When employees feel like their company cares about their health and happiness, they’re not just showing up for the free coffee – they’re genuinely engaged. This means higher job satisfaction, more loyalty and a willingness to go above and beyond – or at least answer emails after 5 p.m. 

Companies can make employee wellness a top priority by implementing various programs, resources and initiatives that focus on the physical, mental and emotional health of their employees. 

Here’s how to demonstrate this commitment: 

• Wellness programs: Companies may offer wellness programs to encourage healthy habits, such as exercise, nutrition and preventive care. These programs can include gym memberships, fitness challenges, on-site exercise classes and access to wellness apps.
• Mental health resources: Providing mental health support is crucial. Companies might offer Employee Assistance Programs, or EAPs, that include confidential counseling services, mental health days, stress management workshops and access to mental health professionals.
• Ergonomic workspaces: Ensuring that workspaces are designed for comfort, with ergonomic furniture and equipment, can prevent physical strain and promote a healthier work environment.
• Access to healthy food options: Providing healthy snacks, meals or even nutritional counseling on-site can contribute to employees’ overall well-being.
• Stress management resources: Offering workshops, training or tools focused on stress reduction can help employees manage the demands of their work and personal lives.
• On-site child care: Provide child care services or subsidies to support working parents.  

The ideas listed above can be very effective for supporting employees. But what about a small business with limited resources? How can they prioritize employee wellness?  

• Flexible work schedules: Small businesses can offer flexible work hours or allow employees to adjust their schedules to better balance work and personal life, accommodating family needs or personal commitments.
• Family-friendly policies: Implementing policies that support employees with families, such as allowing children to visit the workplace or providing time off for family events.
• Simple financial support: Offering small financial bonuses or incentives for healthy behaviors, like quitting smoking or participating in wellness challenges, can motivate employees to take care of their health.
• Simple wellness programs: Even with limited resources, small businesses can implement basic wellness initiatives, like organizing walking groups, implement regular health challenges, providing healthy snacks or encouraging regular breaks during the workday.
• Encouraging time off: Promoting the use of vacation days and ensuring employees take regular breaks helps prevent burnout and promotes overall well-being.
• Professional development: Supporting employees’ growth through training opportunities, workshops, or mentoring can enhance their career satisfaction and well-being.

All these initiatives exhibit the idea you understand where your team is coming from. And another word for that is empathy. Recognize your team has a busy family life and parents are trying to attend their kids’ events. Life isn’t always smooth sailing – there are often bumps in the road and when the boss can recognize that and make appropriate accommodations, it’s huge for team morale. 

Companies which prioritize wellness tend to see improved retention rates. Employees are more likely to stay with an employer who genuinely cares about their well-being. This not only reduces the costs associated with hiring and training new staff but also helps retain institutional knowledge and maintain team cohesion. A focus on wellness can be a key factor in building long-term relationships with employees, leading to a more stable and experienced workforce.

In addition to improving retention, focusing on wellness can significantly reduce absenteeism. Employees who have access to wellness resources and are encouraged to maintain their health are less likely to take time off due to illness or burnout. This reduction in absenteeism helps maintain continuity in the workplace, ensuring that projects stay on track and deadlines are met. By keeping their workforce healthy, companies can avoid the disruptions that frequent absences can cause.

Finally, fostering a positive workplace culture is a crucial outcome of focusing on employee well-being. When wellness is a priority, it creates a supportive and inclusive environment where employees feel a sense of belonging. This culture encourages collaboration, reduces stress and improves overall morale.

Paul D. Casey lives in the Tri-Cities and is the owner of Growing Forward Services, which aims to equip and coach leaders and teams to spark breakthrough success. He also is the executive director of Leadership Tri-Cities.