Here we go again! Another article on how a healthy employee is a happy employee and if we just start serving tofu in the lunchroom and cut the cables to the elevator so everyone has to take the stairs, we’ll have a fit, focused and productive staff and all will be right with the corporate world. Right?
Well, not exactly. The reality is that there are undeniable facts that relate workplace health and workplace wealth. Returns on investment have shown that for every dollar invested in employee health and wellness, returns from $2.30 to $10.10 can be measured via (and not limited to) reduced sick days, less WCB claims and increased productivity. So whether you are focused on the bottom line, or your philanthropic side is more concerned with being a good corporate citizen, it makes good dollars and sense to create a wellness program that will attract and retain great employees.
Businesses must meet the demands of the current workforce by adapting to and accommodating the increasingly complex lifestyles that current and potential employees have. The family structure is not the same as it was in previous years and this creates new stresses on individuals. When seeking employment, your future employees are giving consideration to physical and mental health along with financial compensation. Given the competitive nature of the market where all industries are competing for the best people, you are at risk of decreasing the potential talent pool by not fully realizing the competitive advantage of workplace wellness.
But how does the small to medium size business that recognizes the need for and advantage of initiating a wellness program balance it with the reality of budget constraints? The truth is, if a company is motivated enough, you are only limited to your creativity when it comes to designing and implementing a customized program for your business.
Here are 5 simple and cost-effective strategies:
As you can see, an investment in your employee’s health and wellness does not have to be complicated, daunting or cost prohibitive. By leveraging this competitive advantage to the fullest and offering simple solutions, you will increase workplace harmony, maximize productivity and reap the rewards to the bottom line.
Cord Reisdorf is the principle of Peak Fitness Management.