Recently in our blogs, we’ve been discussing the importance of corporate wellness programs. Thus far, we’ve shared 5 benefits of such programs (read about them here) and have also discussed 9 easy ways you can contribute to your employees’ health and wellness this week (learn how here).
Perhaps for the first time ever, health and wellness is starting to take a more prominent role in the workplace. And it’s no wonder: “Employees suffering from high stress levels have lower engagement, are less productive and have higher absenteeism levels than those not working under excessive pressure,” writes Karen Higginbottom over at Forbes.
“Creating a psychologically healthy workplace is good for employees and business results,” says Norman B. Anderson, PhD, chief executive officer of the American Psychological Association. So it comes as no surprise that more and more companies are beginning to understand the importance of health and wellness in the workplace, even offering certain wellness perks as incentives when recruiting new talent.
Today, we’ve rounded up some of the best employee wellness programs out there. If you’re hoping to develop your own program this year or need to enhance an existing one, let the following examples serve as inspiration for what’s possible.
Google’s wellness program is perhaps one of the most well-known. Its campus features onsite healthcare services such as physical therapy, massage, and general physician services. In addition to this, fitness centers and classes are open to all employees, and there are campus cafes and kitchens stocked with nutritious meals and snacks. Employees are also given flexible work hours and generous vacation time to help them with work-life balance.
Microsoft
Microsoft offers an abundance of wellness classes and services for its employees. Among the classes are those for weight management, fitness training, and even quitting smoking, while services include family counseling, stress management, and even onsite clinics and pharmacists. In addition to free Zumba classes, onsite walking and running tracks, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and baseball, Microsoft also funds gym memberships and fitness equipment for its employees.
Asana
Like many other companies, Asana offers its employees unlimited vacation to help them with their work-life program. If that isn’t enough, the software company also gives its employees free gym memberships along with daily yoga programs and monthly workshops with a health-themed focus.
Hasbro
Most of us know Hasbro as the maker of all our favorite toys, but the company proves its family-centric values in another way: by offering its employees an admirable wellness program. Wellness benefits include paid leave for both parents, assistance with foster care, and adoption leave as well.
Draper
This manufacturing company has learned how to make corporate wellness programs fun for everyone involved. In addition to onsite Zumba and Weight Watchers classes, the company also holds annual health fairs filled with fun activities. But that’s not all. They also hold 10-week weight loss challenges that include cash prices and weekly gift cards, and their regular walking contests keep things fun and competitive for their employees.
Remember, the healthier and happier your employees are, the greater their output in the workplace: more focus, more productivity, more energy…the list truly does go on, meaning the benefits to your company are seemingly endless. If you don’t already have an employee health and wellness program in place, use the above examples as inspiration toward developing one for your company this year.