Why and How To Integrate Wellbeing Into Your Business
When it comes to businesses that are aiming for sustainability and success, health and wellness is not often a particularly important focus for those in management who are driving the growth of the company, but it should be.
Increasing evidence points to the many benefits that are inherent in businesses where health and wellness is given considerable emphasis; and this is where HR professionals within a business need to drive the wellness agenda to ensure that these benefits are successfully achieved.
Implementing health and wellness schemes or simply paying attention to the wellbeing of workers through well-planned initiatives that promote a culture of wellness within a company serves to improve the physical and mental health of employees.
There is no doubt that this will have a number of positive outcomes for the business, as there is a strong link between employee wellbeing and business performance, according to numerous studies.
HEALTHY WORKERS LEAD TO COST-SAVING
With the end goal of any health and wellness initiatives being the preservation of a healthy workforce, the other benefit that is attained is that costs are saved, as absent workers due to illness cost a business time and money. It is also worth taking note that money is saved by not needing to replace staff as frequently, as healthy employees are often happier and more likely to stay in a job for longer.
Businesses therefore need to embed wellbeing in their long-term strategic planning if they are to see sustained benefits in the long run, and substantial cost-saving in both the short and long term.
HEALTHY WORKERS ARE MORE PRODUCTIVE
It makes sense that health and wellness plans which lead to healthier workers will equal more productivity, simply because absenteeism will have the opposite effect.
Higher levels of productivity make for better performing businesses, so health and wellness initiatives certainly come full circle in improving the prospects for sustained business success. Modern businesses ignore the need for such efforts at their peril, failing to see the clear link between a healthy and productive workforce.
HEALTHY WORKERS BUILD A POSITIVE BRAND IMAGE
In terms of public relations, talent acquisition and employee retention, focusing on health and wellness within a business can put a positive spin on a brand’s image while boosting the morale and loyalty of those in the company.
Developing the right culture through wellness initiatives can help a company to attract and retain the most talented people while maintaining a reputation as a caring employer, which is good for business and a valuable perk for those within the company.
The most talented people look for remuneration packages which will consider their health and wellbeing, and having a reputation as an employer which values the wellbeing of its people makes the brand far more attractive.
MAKING HEALTH AND WELLNESS WORK FOR BUSINESS
As with almost anything in business and in life, a balance needs to be struck when considering health and wellness programmes for staff and the cost of these programmes for the business. While a healthy workforce certainly provides a raft of benefits, these benefits are quickly annulled if they are costing the business far too much to be sustainable.
Some health schemes might be beyond a company’s budget, but there are many ideas and initiatives that can be implemented cost-effectively.
A culture of wellness can be cultivated without a great deal of spend, as long as there is a thoughtful and consistent focus. Initiatives can be as simple and inexpensive as encouraging employees to spend their lunch hour outside, pushing for walking meetings rather than those in a typical boardroom setting, or providing fresh fruit or other healthy snacks for individuals in the office to enjoy.
Promoting awareness of health issues and how to tackle them can also be a great health initiative. Providing information on various health issues in places where employees relax or interact, such as the break room, or making certain efforts that tie in with national and international awareness campaigns can be a useful way to promote wellness while making sure that staff feel cared for both mentally and physically.
Business healthcare cover is also a consideration for larger businesses that can afford it, with many providers offering tailor-made options that can be customised to suit the needs and budget of companies.
In conclusion, those in leadership positions within companies need to invest in initiatives and processes to create a culture and work environment that puts the health and wellbeing of employees first, because good workplace performance, greater productivity, improved morale and loyalty are just some of the important benefits that are sure to follow, with the business’ bottom line ultimately rewarded.
Reference:
https://engageforsuccess.org/wellbeing/health-and-wellbeing/