Why A Wellness Program Could Be The Cornerstone Of Your Employee Benefits Plan

Wellness programs are a controversial topic in the employee benefits world. These programs offer a way for employers to provide chances for their employees to learn more about health and fitness and practice healthy habits that could change their lives.

However, there are also reports that many employees don't participate in the programs.

The problem, as with many employee benefits, is weighing the cost and advantages of the plan. So, does a wellness program improve your employee's health? Is it right for your bottom line?

Will your company experience the benefits of a wellness program?

Let's take a look at the results of surveys about the programs, and how they might help your company.

Do employees appreciate wellness programs?
When choosing your employee benefits options it's important to know what your staff wants. Do today's employees want wellness programs?

The answer is yes. Today's employees place a high value on their personal life, and they often associate their health with being away from work. Millennial employees, faced with an uncertain future of health care benefits, are very aware of the importance of preventative health care.

They understand the necessity of taking care of themselves to prevent big problems.

The next question is, what does your company gain from having a wellness program?

Employee Benefits Are Also Employer Benefits
It's OK if you're wondering how a wellness program would benefit your company. The answer is yes, and you will receive benefits in ways you might have never guessed.

• Employers with wellness programs experience less absenteeism, so your productivity is improved.
• A wellness program increases employee's productivity
• Employees who participate in the programs live healthier lifestyles outside of work.
• According to a Harvard study, the return on investment in a wellness program is about $3.27 per dollar invested.
• Wellness programs help employees decrease their blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol — issues which may lead to severe health issues and costs in the future.

Here's one last reason you should consider a wellness program, recruiting: 79% of large companies have a wellness program. That number drops to around 40% for mid-size companies and smaller companies.

However, most millennials state they want to work for smaller companies because they are usually more flexible and dynamic than larger corporations.

If you are a smaller company with a wellness program, you have something people want. A small company with a strong work/life balance.

You Could Be The Biggest Roadblock To Improving Your Employee's Health
Studies of employee participation in wellness programs show the first step for you to take in improving employee wellness is to make it part of your company culture. You can do this by:

• Encouraging employees to participate in the program. As always, this begins with leaders leading the way. Your managers should show an interest and participate in the program.
• Making time during the workday for employees to attend seminars and do any tests they have to do.
• Encouraging employees to lead balanced lives. Younger employees are easier to encourage, but many older employees get stuck in work/life ruts.

Culture Insurance is a premier insurance broker serving San Diego County. We specialize in creating employee benefits programs that are meaningful and economical.

Additionally, we also help companies with their risk management, worker's compensation, and also offer business insurance packages.

If you would like to know more about employee wellness programs and how they could benefit your company, give us a call. We'd be more than happy to sit down with you.