Survey: More firms widen employee health programs
More businesses are expanding their workplace programs to improve the health of their employees, and about four of every five workers say those programs help them feel better about where they work.
Those are the key results from a study sponsored by Virgin Pulse, of Framingham, which surveyed over 15,000 employees and more than 1,100 human resources leaders about the benefits of workplace wellness programs. Virgin Pulse, which helps companies build such programs, conducted the seventh annual study in conjunction with Workforce magazine.
Among the survey’s findings:
- Wellness programs are shifting to focus on a more holistic definition of well being. More than 78 percent of employers say they’re expanding their well-being programs into areas like financial wellness and mental health. That’s up from 72 percent from last year’s survey.
- Stress is a top participation driver. More than 80 percent of employees say they participate in workplace well-being programs to reduce stress.
- Workplace well-being programs help improve company culture. More than 80 percent of employees feel positive about their work culture thanks to these programs.
- Most employers put a positive spin on wellness incentives. Some 72 percent are positioning their well-being programs as rewards instead of punishments.
- Employers are looking to broaden communications channels, types and frequency. Many organizations (41.7 percent) will increase the frequency of their communications, add communications channels (35.3 percent) and test new communications types and styles (32.5 percent) to increase employee participation.
"There’s a much needed shift taking place,” said Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Pulse, in a statement. “Gone are the days of focusing on physical health alone. Today, workplace wellness programs are broadening their scope and focusing on the whole person, which helps to replenish what modern life depletes.”
Boyce added: “By taking care of employees’ overall well being, employers are creating great places to work filled with healthier, more productive employees. As a result, people have more physical energy, mental focus, and emotional drive to do what matters most and they love coming to work because they feel like their employers really care about them.”
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