Blog > Is Corporate Wellness Worth the Cost? 7 Long-Term Benefits

Is Corporate Wellness Worth the Cost? 7 Long-Term Benefits

Why you should invest in your team’s well-being

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The importance of corporate wellness programs for employee well-being is not a novel concept; however, they are critical components among organizations who want to hire and work with high-performing individuals.

So, what exactly is corporate wellness? At its core, it’s an organizational strategy aimed at improving the overall health and wellbeing of employees. By addressing the unique health and wellness needs of each individual, these programs empower employees to contribute more effectively to their teams. Organizations who implement comprehensive corporate wellness programs in their structure can yield a multitude of benefits that impact their growth over time.

Research highlighted in Human Resource Executive, for example, indicates that 90% of businesses report a positive ROI from their wellness initiatives, and that ROI touches a range of organizational factors, including talent retention.

So if you’ve been weighing the costs and benefits of a corporate wellness program in your organization, here are seven long-term advantages of these initiatives.

1. Enhanced Employee Engagement

Wellness programs can improve employee engagement, as employees feel supported and valued by their employer. According to the Human Resource Executive article linked above, nearly 80% of surveyed employees said they would consider leaving a company that did not prioritize their wellbeing, while more than 80% said that corporate wellbeing is just as important as their salary.

2. Improved Productivity and Performance

Employees with access to wellness programs often experience improved productivity due to improved health and energy levels. As Corporate Wellness Magazine reported, employees who participated in wellness programs gained an additional 10.3 hours of productive time annually. Another study found that employees participating in wellness programs improved productivity at a rate equivalent to working one full extra day per month.

3. Decreased Healthcare Costs

Companies who implement a corporate wellness program may see a reduction in their healthcare costs due to employee access to preventative health measures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, studies have found that “well-implemented workplace health programs can lead to 25% savings each on absenteeism, healthcare costs, and workers compensation and disability management claim costs.”

A study conducted at Johnson & Johnson found that the policy, environmental, and educational components of the company’s wellness program helped workers lower their risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, leading to a decrease in medical costs of approximately $225 per employee per year.

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4. Better Company Culture

When employees are healthier and more engaged, they are naturally more productive and successful. Prioritizing employee health then leads to reduced turnover that positively transforms an organization’s culture. Additionally, wellness programs that incorporate elements of team-building can foster a sense of unity and collaboration among employees.

5. Prevention of Chronic Disease

Corporate wellness programs that focus on healthy habits can help employees prevent chronic diseases, reducing absenteeism and improving their overall workforce health. Corporate Wellness Magazine reported that quite a few environmental factors can contribute to chronic disease; for example, 8–16% of cancers are caused by preventable work hazards, and psychosocial stressors in the workplace are responsible for 15–35% of cardiovascular disease. Looking at chronic disease risk in your workplace and doing something about it, then, can drastically improve the health of your employees and organization.

6. Increased Resilience

The healthier your employees, the better they’ll be able to handle stress and adapt to change. In other words, they’ll be more resilient.

BMC Public Health noted that “factors such as exercise, location, sleep, mental health and personality are moderators and mediators of resilience” and “resilience is central to positive mental health and well-being especially when faced with adverse events.” The publication’s study found that, as study participants’ exercise intensity increased, so did their resilience.

In industries that increasingly face evolving standards and changing landscapes, a resilient workforce is non-negotiable.

7. Support for Healthy Habits

In the process of reaping the aforementioned benefits, the promotion of healthy habits will inevitably become ingrained in your workplace culture. By equipping employees with the necessary tools to develop and sustain healthy habits, you cultivate a culture of health that not only boosts productivity but also attracts elite professionals who value a health-conscious work environment.

The Bottom Line

A strong corporate wellness program is well worth the investment, and offers short-term and long-term returns that truly make a difference. With the right approach to corporate wellness, teams become more productive, resilient, and engaged, while your organization saves money on absenteeism, turnover, and healthcare costs.

If you’re ready to invest in your team and implement a successful corporate wellness program, book a complimentary consultation call today.

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Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be and should not be taken as professional medical, psychological, legal, investment, financial, accounting, or tax advice. Arootah does not warrant or guarantee the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or suitability of its content for a particular purpose. Please do not act or refrain from acting based on anything you read in our newsletter, blog or anywhere else on our website.

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