To help solve this problem, we created a comprehensive employee wellness program for a large Fortune 1000 company. This program focused on improving employee health awareness, increasing physical activity and creating a fun and happy work environment. This annual program consisted of two initiatives to ensure maximum engagement of the employees. It was unveiled at the company’s town hall meeting at the start of the new year. Employees were presented with an overview of the program that outlined the fun new initiatives. In addition, they also received a lunch cooler containing the first issue of the workplace wellness newsletter and a cook book that featured healthy recipes. The first initiative was a fitness challenge, an idea to get the whole office involved and was a great way to get the competitive juices flowing. Health trackers with the corporate logo were distributed to all employees to track daily physical activity. Employees were rewarded monthly for meeting predetermined fitness goals. Rewards were tiered gold, silver and bronze based on fitness achievements that month. Within each tier, employees could choose their prizes. Prizes consisted of technology products, health and wellness items and gift cards to local businesses. The second initiative offered was a gym membership/fitness program incentive and reimbursement program. Employees were provided with a sport bag and hydration bottle if they were enrolled in a gym membership or group fitness facility. In addition to the gym membership reimbursement, the company also rewarded employees at the end of the year with $300 for proven fitness participation. Employee wellness programs have become a staple in many corporations to attract talent, keep them happy and motivated, and decrease employee absenteeism and turnover. Investments in prevention and health promotion programs have shown returns on investment and are a sustainable way for businesses to address the health of their employees and their bottom lines. Even small investments in health within the workplace can create big returns.
SOLUTION
RESULTS
The comprehensive program was executed over a one year period to keep employees happy, engaged and focused on meeting their health and wellness goals. The program was a great success as there was a 26% reduction in absenteeism and 21% reduction in healthcare costs. In addition, the company’s annual employee engagement survey showed significant improvement from the prior year. The company plans to expand the program and continue the momentum with their new healthy work environment.
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