Blog – Why Does Workplace Wellness Matter

Client: Augment HR (2016)

A visible increase in the awareness of mental and physical health has been evident in the workplace. Among a plethora of reasons for the promotion of health and wellness at work, it ultimately comes down to one significant reason, and that is efficiency. This pertains to efficiency with cost, efficiency with space, an expansive means of time management, and the overall productivity among employees in their place of work. 

Workplace wellness is the encouragement of healthy activity and a healthy lifestyle in the corporate environment. This is put forward as a means to reduce ailments in employees, unproductive conflict, overall costs as a result of the allocation of more sick days, and mental and physical stress. Some examples include teleworking, implementation of wellness programs in the workplace, individual sessions with wellness specialists, and a focus on ergonomics. 

It is important to pay attention to the needs of employees. Ultimately, managers of companies have a business to uphold and employees are a valuable aspect of that business. In an effort to increase productivity in the workplace and maintain a strong business, employee contentness is essential.

What Do Millennials Seek in Potential Places of Employment? 

Managers are more aware of their employees seeking a work/life balance. This is especially prominent in a time where businesses are starting to court millennials. The assurance and the flexibility of work/life balance combined with an opportunity to take on more leadership roles is what millennials find highly alluring in businesses. Giving employees an option to work from home (or in any environment that is not one’s designated place of work) is both cost-efficient and space-efficient. Allowing employees to create their own space to work outside of the workplace and allowing them uninterrupted time promotes wellness. It gives them a mental break from the increased stimulation that may often be apparent in a place of work.

The Implementation of Wellness Programs

It is important for managers to discuss and determine how essential a wellness program would be for their company. The introduction of these programs is always worth it when considering the health of employees, but how worthwhile is it? Additionally, when considering the work seasons, when would it make sense for the business to look into such programs? 

Normally, peak periods are accompanied with an increase in stress among employees. This would be an appropriate season for wellness programs to be implemented in the workplace. Employees would also appreciate the aid during these high-stress periods, which would result in a decrease of sickness and absences from work.

Programs may be incorporated by way of frequent meetings to discuss the stability and satisfaction of employees, outsourcing specialists for individual or group wellness sessions, the building of in-house gyms which employees can use during their breaks, and so on. 

A Look into Ergonomics

Programs focusing primarily on physical health would be especially useful in a work environment where employees are required to sit behind a desk for an extended period of time. Having in-house gyms or allowing for them to walk around and move their bodies would result in less physical strain. This is where ergonomics comes into the discussion. 

Ergonomics is the focus on workplace design when considering how physical structures may contribute to the health of employees. An example would be the installment of standing workstations, or the “20-20-20 rule” where employees are encouraged to work for twenty minutes then look away from their computer screens for twenty minutes in an effort to reduce eye strain. 

Again, the overall aim with company management is maintaining a reputable business. Healthy and happy employees will result in the success of the business.