The Perfect Recipe for Employee Wellness Programs
As an increasing number of companies onboard wellness program partners for their employees’ well-being, new questions arise. What exactly should this well-being program offer? How all-encompassing should it be? What should you look for when hiring a corporate wellness partner? These are natural questions that rush to the minds of leaders, C-suite executives, and HR managers.
Here are 5 factors that are intrinsic to an effective employee wellness program:
A wellness program at work should address all aspects of your employee's life, such as physical, mental, occupational, social, financial (even spiritual) well-being. Ensure the resources and support offered on this platform are verified and safe. Find a wellness program that helps identify your employees’ priorities and needs and customizes its offering accordingly.
The program is for YOUR employees and their well-being, so start with them! What are their needs? What kind of support are they seeking? What are their key challenges? Knowing what your people want and giving it to them, as customized as possible, shows that you care about them.
As more people work remotely, a sense of “connection” is craved by many. A good wellness program should be technologically sound and convenient, literally at your employees’ fingertips so they can access it on the go. Perhaps, an app is better than a web portal that requires one to sign in each time using a browser?
People are wary of hoax websites, unverified search engine results, and quacks who claim to be experts. So, make sure the wellness program partner you choose offers a range of real experts who talk on relevant things, so your employees get the best of what they need. Do your research and take your time.
Wellness programs are not a one-time solution, but an ongoing process. Organizations should continuously evaluate the program and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of employees. Having a program that has scope for member interaction and engagement is a good way for employees to feel heard. Wellness is a two-way street, where your people can feel connected and less alone. Ultimately, the perfect recipe for an employee wellness program will vary depending on the specific needs and culture of your organization, but by considering these key components, you, as leaders and manager, can help your company find a program that truly supports employee well-being.
Here are 5 factors that are intrinsic to an effective employee wellness program:
1. Holistic & Focused
A wellness program at work should address all aspects of your employee's life, such as physical, mental, occupational, social, financial (even spiritual) well-being. Ensure the resources and support offered on this platform are verified and safe. Find a wellness program that helps identify your employees’ priorities and needs and customizes its offering accordingly.
2. Pulse of Your People
The program is for YOUR employees and their well-being, so start with them! What are their needs? What kind of support are they seeking? What are their key challenges? Knowing what your people want and giving it to them, as customized as possible, shows that you care about them.
3. Digitally Connected
As more people work remotely, a sense of “connection” is craved by many. A good wellness program should be technologically sound and convenient, literally at your employees’ fingertips so they can access it on the go. Perhaps, an app is better than a web portal that requires one to sign in each time using a browser?
4. Experts Who Keep It Real & Relevant
People are wary of hoax websites, unverified search engine results, and quacks who claim to be experts. So, make sure the wellness program partner you choose offers a range of real experts who talk on relevant things, so your employees get the best of what they need. Do your research and take your time.
5. Interactive & Continuously Improving
Wellness programs are not a one-time solution, but an ongoing process. Organizations should continuously evaluate the program and make adjustments as needed to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of employees. Having a program that has scope for member interaction and engagement is a good way for employees to feel heard. Wellness is a two-way street, where your people can feel connected and less alone. Ultimately, the perfect recipe for an employee wellness program will vary depending on the specific needs and culture of your organization, but by considering these key components, you, as leaders and manager, can help your company find a program that truly supports employee well-being.
