Employee Wellness Isn’t a Perk—It’s a Business Imperative (And It's Not Just About Yoga)
Employees are increasingly seeking more than just a paycheck—they want to feel supported, engaged, and healthy. A wellness-focused workplace is no longer just a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have. When organizations prioritize employee wellbeing, they create a culture that attracts top talent, reduces burnout, and boosts productivity. But how exactly do you build and maintain a wellness-centered workplace? Let’s discuss why this is so important and how to create and sustain a workplace where employees thrive.
Why a Wellness-Focused Workplace is Crucial and Worth the Investment
Let’s face it: a stressed-out employee is not a productive employee. Research shows that employees who feel physically and mentally well are more engaged, more creative, and more likely to stay with their employer. In fact, while researching our blog post Engagement Matters: Turning the Tide on Workforce Discontent, we found that promoting wellbeing is one of the three strategies used by the best-run organizations to keep the majority of their workforce engaged. According to Gallup, employees who strongly agree their employer cares about their overall wellbeing are:
4.4 times as likely to be engaged at work.
7 times as likely to recommend their organization as a great place to work.
73 percent less likely to feel burned out at work.
53 percent less likely to watch or actively look for a new job.
However, the percentage of employees who strongly agree their employer cares about their wellbeing ties the record low of 21 percent in 2011. We saw a sharp increase in employee wellbeing in 2020 – 49 percent – when employers quickly responded to employee needs at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, that percentage has since plummeted to previous lows.
Credit: “Leaders: Ignore Employee Wellbeing At Your Own Risk,” Gallup.
On the other hand, unhealthy workplaces can lead to higher absenteeism, lower morale, and a serious case of the “Sunday Scaries.” Three significant downsides to neglecting employee wellbeing are:
Disengagement: Workplace disengagement accounts for $8.9 trillion lost in global GDP, nine percent of the total. People want to work at a company that values their wellbeing, and a wellness-focused workplace can foster loyalty, collaboration, and long-term commitment.
High Turnover: Did you know replacing an employee can cost up to 200 percent of that person’s salary? This factors in recruiting, onboarding, and training new hires. Healthier employees are less likely to take sick days, and they’re more likely to stick around.
Lower Productivity: The global cost of lost productivity, including turnover costs, is $322 billion. When employees are well-rested, fit, and mentally sharp, they’re more likely to show up and perform at their best.
Unfortunately, many organizations talk a good game but fail to deliver: “Employees may perceive these initiatives as empty words if they see no results, even when leaders do things to channel resources into supporting employee wellbeing…In the worst cases, this can feel like ‘carewashing,’ where organizations face accusations of providing superficial support for workplace wellbeing while neglecting the root causes of burnout.” (Gallup)
Building a Wellness-Focused Workplace
Creating a wellness-focused workplace is not about handing out smoothies on Monday mornings or offering free gym memberships (though those are nice perks). It’s about embedding wellness into the fabric of your organizational culture and offering a combination of programs, policies, and attitudes that support overall employee health.
1. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is the cornerstone of any wellness initiative. It’s easy to say, “Just don’t overwork yourself,” but offering practical solutions is key. Consider adopting flexible work schedules or allowing employees to work remotely when needed. Encourage your team to actually take their vacation days (yes, they’re there for a reason!) and create an environment where it’s okay to disconnect after hours.
And for the love of all that is holy, don’t make employees feel guilty for logging off at 5 PM! A culture that promotes balance is one where employees know they can recharge without feeling like they’re neglecting their duties.
2. Provide Mental Health Support
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and a wellness-focused workplace acknowledges this. Offering access to counseling services or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) is a solid starting point. You can also introduce mindfulness programs, stress management workshops, or just ensure your managers are trained to spot the signs of burnout in their team members.
Creating an open environment that does not stigmatize mental health can go a long way in promoting a healthier workplace. Let’s be real: work stress happens. But when employees feel they can talk about it openly, they’re more likely to ask for help before things snowball.
3. Create a Healthy Physical Environment
Physical wellness is crucial to an employee’s wellbeing, and this doesn’t just mean having a gym on-site (though that’s certainly a bonus!). It can start with something as simple as ensuring the office is ergonomically sound. Adjustable desks, comfy chairs, and good lighting can make a world of difference. If your employees are hunched over their desks in poorly designed workspaces, it’s only a matter of time before their necks start to rebel.
Additionally, providing healthy snacks (goodbye, vending machine chips) or creating spaces for employees to move around during the day can be a game-changer. Having walking meetings or encouraging employees to stretch during breaks can also help keep the body feeling good and the brain sharp.
4. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices
It’s not just about the office space. Encourage employees to live a healthier lifestyle by offering wellness programs or resources. This could include access to gym memberships, discounts for fitness trackers, or challenges like “Step into Wellness” where employees compete to walk the most steps in a month. It’s amazing how a little healthy competition can motivate people to get moving.
Remember: You don’t need to force people to run marathons, but offering support for health and wellness can set employees on the path to feeling their best.
5. Foster a Sense of Purpose
Employees who feel a sense of purpose at work are often the most engaged and satisfied. Help your team see how their work contributes to the company’s larger goals, and make sure they feel recognized for their efforts. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in boosting morale, and recognition programs (whether through shout-outs at meetings or award programs) can help employees feel valued.
Additionally, encourage personal development and learning. Employees who feel they are growing—whether professionally or personally—are more likely to stick around and bring their best selves to work.
Maintaining a Wellness-Focused Workplace
Building a wellness-focused workplace is one thing, but maintaining it? That’s where the magic happens. A wellness culture must be sustained and nurtured over time. So, how do you keep it going?
1. Lead by Example
The best way to maintain a wellness-focused workplace is to lead by example. If your leadership team is committed to wellness—whether they’re taking regular breaks, making time for self-care, or actively encouraging a healthy work-life balance—your employees will follow suit. Leaders who are visibly taking care of their own wellbeing set the tone for the entire organization.
2. Encourage Regular Feedback
Employees are the best source of insight when it comes to knowing whether your wellness initiatives are working. Regular surveys, check-ins, and open forums allow employees to voice their concerns and provide feedback on wellness programs. Maybe they’d love a meditation room or perhaps they feel overwhelmed by the number of meetings. Listening and adapting to their needs is crucial in maintaining a healthy work environment.
3. Continually Educate and Evolve
Wellness is an ongoing journey, not a destination. The wellness landscape evolves, and so should your workplace. Stay current with new health trends, wellness programs, and best practices. Education about new wellness practices can also be integrated into company meetings or events, so employees are always learning how to live and work better.
4. Celebrate Milestones and Successes
When employees hit their wellness goals—whether it’s completing a fitness challenge or successfully managing work stress—celebrate! Recognizing wellness milestones fosters a sense of accomplishment and encourages others to participate. It’s important to create a culture where personal wellbeing is valued, not just individual performance or achievements tied to job duties.
5. Adapt to New Needs
Life happens, and so do workplace challenges. Maybe your employees are working remotely more than they used to, or the mental health impacts of the pandemic are still lingering. Adapt your wellness initiatives to meet the ever-changing needs of your workforce. Be flexible, supportive, and ready to pivot when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Building and maintaining a wellness-focused workplace isn’t just a feel-good initiative—it’s a strategic move that can transform your entire organization. When your employees feel valued, supported, and healthy, they’re more likely to bring their A-game every day. While creating a wellness-centric culture requires investment and dedication, the rewards—happier employees, higher productivity, and lower turnover—are well worth it.
So, the next time you’re thinking about your workplace wellness program, remember: it’s not about offering free yoga mats or hiring a full-time wellness coach (unless you want to). It’s about creating an environment where your employees can thrive—physically, mentally, and emotionally. After all, happy, healthy employees are the foundation of any successful business.
“Employee Wellbeing Is Key for Workplace Productivity.” Gallup. Accessed 12/4/24. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/215924/well-being.aspx
Grossman, David. “Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace: From Burnout to Thriving.” The Grossman Group. 4/16/24. Accessed 12/4/24. https://www.yourthoughtpartner.com/blog/employee-wellbeing#
Harter, Jim. “Leaders: Ignore Employee Wellbeing At Your Own Risk.” Gallup. 7/6/23. Accessed 12/4/24. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/507974/leaders-ignore-employee-wellbeing-own-risk.aspx#
Hedrick, Katelyn, Ben Wigert, Ph.D., and Ryan Pendell. “Despite Employer Prioritization, Employee Wellbeing Falters.” Gallup. 11/4/24. Accessed 12/4/24. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/652769/despite-employer-prioritization-employee-wellbeing-falters.aspx
McFeely, Shane and Ben Wigert. “This Fixable Problem Costs U.S. Businesses $1 Trillion.” 3/13/19. Accessed 12/4/24. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/247391/fixable-problem-costs-businesses-trillion.aspx
Sood, Charu and Michael Gilmartin. “The cost of not caring: Ignoring wellbeing carries a hefty price.” Deloitte. 3/1/24. Accessed 12/4/24. https://action.deloitte.com/insight/3808/the-cost-of-not-caring-ignoring-wellbeing-carries-a-hefty-price
Sleek, Scott. “Toxic workplaces leave employees sick, scared, and looking for an exit. Here’s how to combat unhealthy conditions.” American Psychological Association. 6/27/24. Accessed 12/4/24 https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/toxic-workplace#
“State of the Global Workplace: 2024 Report.” Gallup. Accessed 12/4/24. https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx?
“What are the ‘Sunday Scaries’?” Cleveland Clinic. 12/8/21. Accessed 12/4/24. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sunday-scaries
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