The traditional work world is seeing a major shift in how employees operate. More people are putting their health first and taking practical actions to keep their mental health in check. With work-related stress and personal concerns, it’s no surprise that employees are leaning toward this route. And managers have begun to take note.
This has led to corporate wellness programs becoming more popular in many workspaces.
What is meant by corporate wellness?
Corporate wellness refers to any workplace program designed to encourage healthier lifestyle choices and habits that will improve the well-being of employees. It concerns employees’ physical, emotional, and mental health and helps foster an organizational culture of health.
By investing in employees’ well-being, managers are able to benefit from motivated workers who are healthy, productive, and passionate about their jobs.
In order to be effective at promoting employee wellness, you must address all 5 areas:
- Mental and emotional well-being
- Social well-being
- Financial well-being
- Physical well-being
- Digital well-being
5 pillars of well-being at work
- Mental and emotional well-being – The ability to think clearly, operate, and respond to challenges that work presents daily is crucial, not just for the workplace, but for life in general. If employees feel liberated to express themselves and ask for help, it creates a workspace culture of both safety and community.
- Social well-being – Social well-being works hand in hand with the mental and emotional well-being pillars. Feeling connected to other like-minded people and having a strong place of belonging can positively impact our social and mental health. It is important to create a connection, a culture of community, and togetherness among your staff. In order to keep work-play cohesion among departments and teams. Organizing team activities, breaks, outings, and socials can really help to boost the social well-being of your employees and a sense of community. I.e. pot lucks, sugar challenges, etc.
- Financial well-being – Financial stress can really take a toll and add to your employees’ stress and anxiety. Money is important for taking care of our needs and giving us a feeling of security in our lives. Talking about money and money management isn’t always easy or comfortable, and it can be even more difficult to cover this topic with your employees. However, removing the stigma associated with financial difficulties while offering tools and resources like money management or retirement programs to help can make a big difference.
- Physical well-being – The benefits of being physically healthy with exercise, a balanced diet, and quality rest as a part of one’s routine should not be understated. Contributing to your employee’s physical well-being can look like this: Flexible workdays, a workplace gym or gym membership, healthy snacks and Lunch & Learn programs offered exclusively to employees and direct family members.
- Digital well-being – The digital world has become a staple in most of our lives, including in the workspace. Having control of the tech in our lives without feeling overwhelmed, and being able to control screen time, is essential. Knowing when to unplug from the digital world and having a good balance even as it relates to work is very important to your employees’ digital well-being.
As a leader, you can promote corporate workplace wellness by implementing these 5 pillars and getting outside help from an expert coach in the field. If you are ready to help your employees take the steps needed to get them on the right track to overall health and corporate wellness, let’s talk!