Our CEO Michael Bergen wrote one of the original best selling books on employee wellness programs back in 1985 with his book How To Have Fun At Work. In it he described 1001 ways to make employees happier and happier employees are better employees.
Developing a fitness habit or a health habit can take considerable effort, with estimates ranging from 21 to 66 days of daily repetition. Considering the improvements made to the health and well-being of a workplace, and the amount of time we spend at our workplaces, it makes sense to foster workplace wellness programs. Not only does it affect the productivity output of team members, but it makes them feel good in all areas of life—including work.
As the world of work progresses, one of the signs of a top-notch employer will be the quality of their workplace wellness program in recruiting and retaining talent. Big or small, all businesses can benefit from some form of a wellness initiative at work.
We will be working with employers small and large to develop more wellness programs. The dimensions of well-being include physical, emotional, financial, social, occupational, purpose, intellectual and environmental. This encompasses the whole of all us and that is exactly what a well rounded wellness program can offer employees so that they stay healthy and work at their best.
Here are 25 great ideas for any size business:
1. On-site fitness center
Not every company can invest in this type of facility but the benefits to both the employee and employer would be significant. Some companies offer cash incentives for employees who meet or exceed certain goals.
2. Smoking cessation programs
Employees that smoke cigarettes cost their employers more money due to health issues compared to non-smokers. Other employees can act as mentors for advice and support.
3. Transit options
Carpooling, bike sharing or public transit incentives, are beneficial to the workplace and the future of the environment. This type of program will appeal to current and potential employees who value environmental responsibility.
4. Massage services
Most people enjoy a great massage. A therapist could come to the office in a private setting and offer services for reducing stress.
5. Yoga classes
Yoga and meditation is an extremely effective stress reliever. Yoga is an effective way to incorporate self-care into work, so that team members don’t have to feel guilty about neglecting work.
6. Lunch and healthy snacks
Opportunities exist to change up the lunch schedule and combining that with many snacks and food that are healthier.
7. Employee assistance programs
Wellness support comes in the form of many things including issues like stress, substance abuse, depression, and anxiety. Employees can be rewarded for hitting certain goals.
8. Wellness and fitness challenges
How about a daily 3 minute fitness challenge at work? There are so many great challenges that will promote healthy lifestyles.
10. Wellness adventures
This could be another opportunity for doing programs and activities away from the office. Anything could really be an adventure
11. Healthy Eating/Nutrition Challenge
Who can create the best vegetarian dish or a hundred other meals? Employees can build up points by logging in a journal for food intake. Points could be transferred into monetary rewards or prizes.
12. Prescription Drug Plan
Even though most employees have insurance there are still copays and other out of pocket expenses. Plans like GoodRx and others will help many of them save money.
13. Chef Demonstration
Many people just love the thought of making something from scratch. What about a monthly that comes monthly in order to prepare better types of meals?
14. Wellness Newsletter
Employees can put together a monthly newsletter full of new ideas and content. They could also work on a cookbook for their fellow employees.
15. Community Agriculture
There are so many cool ideas with farming where employees grow their own foods.
16. Health Fair
This is a great way to invite local vendors and companies to your office for a day to talk about nutrition and fun wellness activities at work.
17. Corporate Sports Teams
There are plenty of sports that will offer co-ed sports leagues including dodgeball, softball, kickball, basketball, ultimate Frisbee or indoor soccer.
18. The Change Starts Today Family 5K Fun Run
Whether it is a run with us or with any of the hundreds of others this will be a fun day for the whole family.
19. Local Discounts
Many local companies would love the opportunity to work with another company and provide their products or services to them at a discounted rate.
20. Employee Scavenger or Treasure Hunt
Everyone loves a good mystery! Plan a mystery day and hide different items while offering clues. This is a great team building day.
21. Fitness Challenge
Companies can offer a weekly challenge that gets people thinking, doing and having fun.
22. The Whole Life Challenge
This could be a monthly series of lifestyle changes of their daily habits including sleeping, nutrition, exercise, etc. with many incentives to participate and complete.
23. Volunteer
What a great way to pay it forward. Offer incentives for employees to do good for their communities.
24. Pet Friendly days
Pets are very important to many people and what a great idea to be able to bring your pet in for a day which will increase communication and productivity and reduce stress.
25. Donation Box
Employees can donate clothes or other goods to one or more local charities.