Promoting Wellness at Work: Everyone Wins

Workplace wellness programs were really gaining some momentum before the economy hit its rough patch in 2008. But new a new study shows that, even in tough economic times, such programs are more than worth the initial investment. From an employee perspective, good wellness programs offer various structures and outlets that make better physical and mental health possible: healthy eating choices, affordable and convenient exercise opportunities, access to counseling and therapy, stress-reduction mechanisms, and social support and camaraderie around using each of these resources. And from an employer’s perspective? Researchers have calculated that a well-run employee wellness program can yield a six-to-one return on investment: proof that overall wellness (which includes physical, mental, and emotional well-being) isn’t just a luxury: it’s a cornerstone for successful individuals and businesses.

© Copyright 2010 by By John Smith. All Rights Reserved. Permission to publish granted to GoodTherapy.org.

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  • vickie l

    November 23rd, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    But I work with a bunch of lazy older females who like nothing more than to sit sround and snack between cases. That makes it so hard for me to try to be healthy because they are always bringing in junk food and so are clients! I do not want to be that stick in the mud but there are times when I cannot socialize with them all at work because I just try to stay out of the areas where they keep all of the junky food- that way I am not as tempted to partake. But none of them seem to be interested in getting involved with a wellness progran and neither does our employers.

  • Richard

    November 23rd, 2010 at 11:51 PM

    The bosses need to read this, really! Most just dread even te idea of such a program because they think it is nothing but a waste of money. They need to realize that an employee who is well physIcally and mentally is far more efficient and a mch buyer hung than saving that investment on a program.

  • gina cole

    November 24th, 2010 at 4:32 AM

    its better to have a happy employee work with full contentment than to have a worker working longer grumbling about the boss and hence not putting in all the effort.

  • Johnna

    November 24th, 2010 at 5:37 AM

    If many employers were smart they would make it a requirement of the employess who work for them to join a fitness program and to get back on track to better health. Think of all of the money that employers would save with having reduced sick leave being taken and the amount of money that the insurance premiums that they pay for the employess would more than likely go down too. We all have to get on board with this new way of thinking and get over the fact that asking someone to lead a healthier lifestyle would be discrimination. This is about the overall well being of our population and if that makes a few people mad but otherwise gets them in shape then maybe it would be worth a few hurt feelings if overall the general health is improving.

  • Eric

    November 24th, 2010 at 11:01 AM

    It would be wonderful to have laws making some minimum programs compulsory every calendar year or something. It would keep the employees in good spirits and also encourage them to contribute more to the organization they are working for.

  • ruther m

    November 24th, 2010 at 11:50 PM

    just don understand why but most bosses seem to be against any kind of program that brings in anything other than work.experienced this a lot of times.it may be due to the costs involved or it may be that they want slaves n not employees.whatever it is the mindset needs to change!

  • DEFOE

    November 25th, 2010 at 3:36 AM

    A six-to-one return on investment! That will surely fire up the number of organizations starting such programs…After all profits are all that matter to them…

  • Sally

    November 25th, 2010 at 7:14 AM

    Wellness in the workplace is a growing treand to be sure and it is a wonderful way to get the entire office motivated to do something better with their way of life. But to force it upon other people is wrong. Everyone has to go at their own pace and if someone is not ready to make the change for themselves and not just going with the tide then any changes that they make are not going to be sustainable. It is better to have the information available and let everyone take his time to getting around to the fact that this could be the time to make this change. Forcing someone to do something that they are not ready for is never a good idea.

  • Kinsley

    November 28th, 2010 at 9:38 AM

    wellness. . . the new buzzword… and apparently one that keeps on giving. . . now just to get everyone on board

  • Jack

    November 29th, 2010 at 5:51 AM

    So what kinds of things could I say at work to motivate everyone to start eating right and getting healthy? It sure would make it a lot easier for me to meet my own personal goals if I knew that in addition to having help at home I was also going to get that same kind of support at work too. I know that they would find that same kind of success with an extra support network like what I am seeking but I need everyone to get together and make it happen NOW and not wait until they they see as what they deem would be additional benefits for them.

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