National Employee Wellness Month takes place in June each year. This special month-long observation is celebrated annually. Its purpose is to raise awareness of workplaces’ unique role in building a positive, healthy environment for employees everywhere. National Employee Wellness Month was created to shed light on the fact that organizations that value professional and personal wellness are known to be very successful. Organizations that uphold a holistic approach attract top talent, drive employee retention and flourish overall.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- The importance of practicing wellness in the workplace and in your personal life
- How employee workplace wellness can have a direct correlation with your company’s bottom line
- How to practice wellness
Let’s jump in!
History Behind Professional Wellness Month
Through the decades, America’s workplace culture has seen some big changes. Our country’s workforce has been significantly impacted by public policy and various workplace wellness programs. It wasn’t until 1986 that OSHA started encouraging organizations to implement stress-related mental health programs in the workplace.
In 2009, Virgin Pulse, the world’s digital-first health and well-being company, hatched the idea of creating an Employee Wellness Month. According to National Today, they established this observation to highlight the importance of fostering a fulfilling work culture and the direct correlation between professional wellness and happy, stress-free individuals. Their goal in creating National Employee Wellness Month was to help companies take action to achieve greater workplace wellness, and encourage individuals to adopt healthy habits for the sake of their well-being.
Importance of wellness in the workplace
The OECD states that U.S. workers work an average of 1,767 hours each year. Because we spend so much time out of our lives working, it’s imperative that we all strive to find a healthy work-life balance and build a work culture that values individuals’ well-being. That means looking out for your team’s mental and physical health and showing them you care.
Multiple sources have reported that healthier employees are more productive, which is vital to any company’s success. A study conducted at Brigham Young University showed that organizations’ employees who had unhealthy habits had a 66 percent increased risk of productivity loss. Unhealthy workers are more likely to call out from work out and use vacation time or sick days.
But productivity is not the only thing that can dip when your employees are feeling under the weather. Supporting workplace health can also save your company money on benefit costs. The CDC published a systematic review that stated that implementing workplace health programs can allow for “25% savings each on absenteeism, health care costs, and workers’ compensation and disability management claims costs.”
Think about it. When you’re in good health and have a sense of balance, don’t you also typically feel like you’re in good spirits? Making time for yourself – tending to your physical and mental health can boost your mood and help you feel like you can take on your daily tasks. Hello, can-do attitude!
That’s why it’s essential that workers have an environment in which their overall wellness is valued. This is where providing helpful resources comes in. By making health-oriented resources available, your employees can feel their best, and bring their A-game to work! This can also increase company morale as your team will likely feel more appreciated. With morale high and production rates up, your business can reach new heights, and save money in the long run. Oftentimes it’s the organizations that invest in the professional wellness of their employees that are most successful.
Importance of Wellness in Your Personal Life
All the same, you owe it to yourself to practice wellness when you’re outside of work. Your mind and body need proper nourishment in order for you to thrive in every aspect. Eating more nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and spending more time doing things you love with the ones you love allows for a healthier, happier you. We understand that all may seem easier said than done. We all have busy schedules. It seems like there are always chores to do at home and errands that need to be run. On top of it all, job-related stress can seep into your home life. Life can get downright hectic. That being said, there are steps you can take to achieve that much-needed whole-body nourishment, such as:
- Meal planning or prepping
- Taking walks with friends or your family
- Using a meditation app like Calm to clear your head and reduce stress
You deserve to feel like your best self – as an individual and as a professional. Here are a few ways organizations can do their part to encourage better employee health.
How to Practice Wellness in the Workplace
Health promotion should be a valued part of every workday. Employers may want to consider offering wellness options like healthy snacks, filtered water, a fitness center, or onsite medical and mental health care. A good workplace health program is one that considers employees’ needs and interests while respecting their privacy. It may be wise for employers to conduct an employee wellness survey to determine the most beneficial program type.
Want More Advice? Give Us a Call!
Our team here at Highlands Community Bank is just a phone call away. We love to help the wonderful Alleghany Highlands community thrive, so don’t hesitate to contact us.