8 Ways To Create And Nurture A Culture Of Wellness In The Workplace

Employers are finally acknowledging that employee wellbeing can help achieve critical business objectives, yet many companies are skeptical about implementing an employee wellness program.

If the potential benefits are so incredible, why would any corporation not take advantage of such programs? The truth is that while we all vouch of having a great workplace with healthy and engaged employees that results in productivity and reduced healthcare costs, it's not that easy to create and nurture a culture of wellness.

Organizations that genuinely adopt wellness as a part of their business values are the ones that witness their return on investments. Those that only "check the box" to offer health often terminate the program because they don't see the results.

Below I'll share some important ways that organizations can create an effective corporate wellness program that will be embraced by their employees and become a part of their culture for years to come.

What Is A Culture Of Wellness?

A wellness culture refers to a standard set of values followed by a particular group for their greater good.

In the workplace, it usually means encouraging and promoting the wellbeing of your employees. It includes some strategic ways to foster health at the workplace and create habits at personal and professional levels.

On average, an employee spends their maximum waking hours within your office; naturally, they are affected by the workplace culture you provide. It becomes a responsibility for a leader to keep their employees motivated on wellness goals. Developing a resilient culture of wellness that supports and rewards healthy behaviors is a way you, as a leader, can foster at the workplace.

How A Culture Of Wellness Benefits Your Organization?

A report by GlobeNewsWire suggests that unwell employees cost U.S. employers $530 billion in productivity each year. That lack of productivity translates to decreased innovation, creativity, and engagement

Creating a wellness culture ensures that every component of your office environment contributes to developing and reinforcing a healthy lifestyle. There are many perks, including the competitive edge healthy employees naturally brings to your company. But the most substantial bonus may be a happier and more productive workforce.

For example, offering unhealthy eateries at your office canteen and putting unnecessary workloads results in a toxic work environment and employee burnouts. You can compensate for hosting healthy potlucks and onsite gym options, encouraging a lively and supportive workplace culture.

6 Ways That Culture Of Wellness Benefits Your Organization

• Lessen The Stress Causing Factors

• Encourage Physical Activity

• Results In Mass Employee Satisfaction

• Boosts Employee Productivity

• Fosters Holistic Wellness

• Greater Employee Morality

How To Create And Nurture A Culture Of Wellness?

It will prioritize health as a part of your company's mission and empower employees to get healthier, happier, and more productive by creating healthy habits.

If you want your wellness initiative to yield sustainable results and keep a happy and productive workforce, it's time to create a culture of wellness at your company.

So Are You ready to create a culture of wellness at your organization?

Here are the top eight ideas to help get you started:

1. Encourage Movement

Allow your employees to move during the day. You can organize walking meetings or install standing desks at the office. Encouraging your employees to move during the day is another way to bring activeness in your employees.

Ask them to meet in person rather than using any digital means of communication. You can also offer electronic gadgets with a pedometer that helps them keep track of their steps.

2. Offer Healthy Alternatives

Having a balanced diet is quintessential for a sound body. Experts suggest that diet by far crucial than exercising. Encouraging your employees with healthy lunch options can prove useful in the process of attaining health.

You can also provide fresh fruit and veggies in office canteens. Try to replace processed foods with some natural alternatives. Always provide clean drinking water at a convenient spot for employees.

3. Reward And Recognize Healthy Habits

Try offering wellness incentives to help employees that create healthy habits. Reward your employees who have completed wellness activities with gym discounts, wearables, or other fun, healthy prizes.

Related Article: 16 Wellness Activities For Remote Employees

4. Provide Opportunities For Social Engagement

You can host company outings in wellness retreats or offer a wholesome lunch. Social wellness forms an integral part of the health spectrum as physical fitness. It also helps in employee engagement creating a resilient team spirit.

5. Help Them With Resources

As a leader, you play an essential role in guiding your employees with the work. Make sure to provide useful resources that cover nine dimensions of wellness. You can also offer the latest technology to make their work faster and cumbersome.

6. Always Be Flexible

Allow your employees to take breaks or flex periods during the working hours. Have an option of work from home or a half-day schedule to encourage flexibility. It will help them to maintain a balance between work and life.

7. Build Mutual Trust

Start walking clubs and take part in team-building activities. Host a team breakfast once a week and serve healthy foods. Help your team socialize and get to know one another on a personal level.

8. Eliminate Stressors

Some workplace stress is acceptable, but having employees who are regularly over-stressed is not. Periodically send out an anonymous survey to determine your employees' mental health levels. If it seems too high or frequent, try to pinpoint specific stressors that contribute to the problem. Implement changes that will lessen or eliminate these stressors.

Conclusion

Even though companies are increasingly focused on wellness, creating a culture of wellness is not a trend or a way to stay competitive in the job market. A culture of health stems from employers genuinely caring about employees and understanding the necessity of a culture of health for the mutual success of the employees and the business.

Then, with a commitment to the well-being of employees and the decision to demonstrate that commitment throughout the company, through everyday actions, a culture of wellness can begin to develop.