Providing a healthy cafeteria menu, an optimum gym program or impressive team-building retreats are not the big fixes that create a workplace culture of health and wellness. 

It’s when employers start making organizational changes to support and reinforce healthy behaviour changes and habits that employees are in a better position to  prioritize their physical and mental wellness.

The return on investment is staggering: It’s been estimated that for every dollar spent on wellness initiatives, up to $3 is saved in health care premiums and $2 in absenteeism. Wellness programs have also been shown to raise employee engagement levels, helping productivity and revenue.

But, how do you transform a workplace culture so that it fosters good health and wellness?

3 ways a company can strengthen their wellness culture

1. Wellness technology 

Provide employees complimentary access to wellness technology, i.e. fitness management, cognitive behavioural therapy, or smoking cessation apps. This allows employees convenient access to stigma-free virtual support that they can easily integrate into their daily lives. 

2. Onsite wellness services

Set aside a particular onsite area that provides access to wellness tools, classes, and curated resources at a reduced cost or offered complimentary. This could include: yoga sessions, running club, guided meditation, massages, nutrition consultations, and a health and wellness library. 

3. Flexible Work Schedules

Give employees an option to create a flexible work schedule that allows them to fulfill their professional role, but also makes managing their home life easier. For example, an earlier start so they can be home after school for their kids or so they can take lunch to visit their elderly parents. Helping to accommodate a greater work-life integration and balance for employees helps to minimize avoidable stress. 

Reach people where they’re at 

It’s essential to understand where employees are at — what works for them, where they need support — and focus your attention in those places. For instance, funding gym memberships works well for people already committed to fitness, but won’t make a difference for those who lack motivation for physical exercise. In a strong workplace wellness culture, employees are encouraged and supported to adopt healthy behaviours that help realize their personal goals towards a good quality of life.  

Book a demo of Snapclarity’s virtual mental healthcare platform to see how it will transform your employees’ experience.