Benefits of Raising Awareness, Taking Actions
The last few years have been challenging for people, and no matter your job, it’s often difficult to switch off emotions just because you’re at work. With growing attention focusing on mental health and holistic wellness (and a wave of millennial and Gen Z employees more attuned with the concept), workplace wellness is slowly becoming the new norm in the marketplace. More than simply healthcare benefits, learn why wellness programs are important, what they do, and how they may help.
Importance of health and wellness in the workplace
Research over the years shows healthier employees are more productive. They have fewer accidents (because they aren’t tired, overweight, or stressed) and have lower health care costs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that it can impact the bottom line: “The cost savings of providing a workplace health program can be measured against absenteeism among employees, reduced overtime to cover absent employees, and costs to train replacement employees.”
Employers with a good wellness program usually have an excellent corporate culture that improves morale and employee engagement. It also dramatically improves their ability to attract and retain the best employees.
This is especially important as recent data from the American Institute of Stress shows 83% of American workers suffer from work-related stress, with 25% saying their job is the number one stressor in their lives. Stress also causes approximately one million people to miss work each day.
What is wellness in the workplace?
While many employee wellness programs initially focused on physical health (exercise, diet, smoking cessation), today’s workplace wellness programs are more nuanced and robust, offering support for mental and emotional health.
Wellness in the workplace can apply to several different activities (or policies) that support healthy behavior and improve health outcomes. Companies taking such efforts can even earn a Mental Health America’s (MHA) Bell Seal at the Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum level. It’s the first-of-its-kind workplace mental health certification that recognizes employers who strive to create mentally healthy workplaces for their employees. Categories for evaluation include:
- Supportive Workplace Culture
- Benefits that Support Mental Health
- Caring Beyond Compliance
- Holistic Wellness at Work
Employees can take steps to promote wellness in the workplace such as:
- Survey employees and ask about stress and burnout
- Provide mental health education and training
- Allow using sick days for mental health days
- Implement an atmosphere that supports emotional health
- Create a mental health toolkit to provide resources, support, and a caring, inclusive workplace culture
Getaway to get back in gear
Just as it’s useful to turn your computer or phone off for a bit to reboot and make it work more effectively, it can be extremely helpful to step away from work, take a wellness retreat, and recharge. You can break old habits, reconnect with nature, emotionally detox, focus on healthy goals, and find fresh motivation.
Wondering how you (or even your work colleagues or employees) can benefit? Get more information on a Thrive Retreat where you can feed your soul and experience the health and wellness you need. Learn how our healers provide health and wellness to transform you into your best self.