05 Feb 2019

Why corporate wellness is important—and four ways it can help you

85 per cent of managers know that employee wellbeing is their responsibility. But only 30 per cent of line managers say they’ve received any training1.

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Merely 16 per cent of employees feel they can be open about mental health issues with managers. But 61 per cent of employees have experienced work-related mental health problems.

There’s a radical disconnect, here. A major difference between the needs of workers and the support offered. Corporate wellness is a growing trend, one with positive effects on mental and physical health, reputation, productivity and work-life balance.

Here are some positive things a good corporate wellness strategy will do:

Increase employee happiness

Employees typically spend up to eight hours a day in their workplace. That’s a long time, and it’s essential that their health and happiness is cared for while there. Make it clear that you have your staff’s best interests at heart, and be proactive in improving their environment.

Appoint a mental health champion, and demonstrate no tolerance for stigma. When your people feel comfortable, they’ll be much, much happier.

Reduce absenteeism

Those with mental health issues—potentially one² in three of your workforce, remember—are three times more likely to suffer long-term sickness. When you have an open and supportive workplace, you can help to reduce this.

Given that absenteeism costs the UK economy billions every year, it’s not hard to see the benefit of helping your people talk about their issues. Offering structured return to work plans can make the end of a long period of sickness seem less daunting, too.

Improve productivity

Employees who are struggling with their health and wellbeing can find it difficult to concentrate on their work. As well as this, if they do not feel as though they are valued in the company, their motivation levels will fall.

Ensuring staff have access to structured support and can talk about any issues they face can counter these worries. And when these worries are dealt with, your people are free to concentrate on the day.

Enhance reputation

As an employer, you’ll find the care you provide—or don’t—for your employees affects your reputation. Online reviews of workplaces often mention the attitudes of senior management toward others.

To ensure that you come across as an appealing employer, it’s essential that you put a good wellbeing plan in place. You’ll find that the best talent search you out and reward you with their loyalty when you treat their problems with care.

Use corporate wellness to increase the health and happiness of your people, and reap the rewards.

This article is provided by Health Assured

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