Briefing: Work and wellness
There's work - and then there's everything else.
At least that's how it used to be.
Now, there's work and personal wellness, and companies are increasingly connecting the two. Many employers are taking an active role in encouraging better health and more happiness for their employees.
Is employee health and happiness any of an employer’s business?
It's a lot of their business, many say. The possibility of lower health-care payments and premiums are among several ways companies can benefit. To the extent that employee well-being improves productivity, creativity and other workplace positives — and reduces doctor visits, sick days, accidents and errors — it's clearly in businesses' best interest to have employees in good physical and mental shape.
The difference is that companies used to leave largely to chance what they're now working to influence.
What draws employees to wellness programs?
Workplace stress is a top reason employees participate in such programs, according to a recent survey by Virgin Pulse of Framingham. More than 80 percent of 15,000 employees surveyed said they hope to lower their stress levels by taking part in a program.
What do companies do to encourage wellness?
Traditionally, many laws and industry practices aim to ensure safe, comfortable work environments, chances for adequate sleep in between shifts and other common-sense provisions.
Modern workplace efforts stretch the wellness concept in new directions. Some companies offer free or cheap yoga classes at work. Weight-loss assistance, free flu shots, smoking cessation clinics, lunchtime walk clubs and the like are not unusual topics for company-wide emails. Break rooms and conferences are trending toward healthier snacks. Gym discounts, wellness seminars, meditation/quiet spaces, bike racks and regular sponsorships of teams at local walk/run fundraisers are other ways companies get involved.
What are some resources for businesses?
Health care, insurance, service and fitness organizations form partnerships with companies to encourage wellness-related activities.
In addition, employee wellness itself can be a multimillion-dollar business. Virgin Pulse is an example. Last month, the 10-year-old company — which helps companies improve employee well-being, such as through its “Build Habits that Matter” platform — said it had raised $92 million in additional funding.
Is hard work getting lost in the shuffle?
Actually, quite the opposite. Energized, content employees balance the fun with getting a lot of work done. Having plenty of meaningful work remains a huge contributor to health and happiness, and successful companies have no trouble providing that.
WBJ Web Partners
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