Implementing a wellness program in the workplace: Five steps for success

| October 4, 2024

Learn how empowering employees through wellness programs can be essential for your organization


What should be included in an employee wellness program?

A wellness program supports employees’ physical and mental health, ensuring their overall well-being and productivity. Around 50% of U.S. employers provide them, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive and detailed initiatives [1]. And, to be truly effective, it must be thoughtfully tailored to address the unique needs of your workforce. Key components include:

Keep reading to learn all about the critical steps in creating an effective employee wellness program, from initial planning to ongoing evaluation, and discover how to build a program that fosters a healthier, happier workplace.

Benefits of workplace wellness programs

Wellness programs offer benefits that significantly impact both employees and employers:

  1. Improved productivity: Wellness programs promote physical and mental well-being, helping to reduce fatigue and stress. They enable employees to maintain higher levels of concentration and efficiency throughout the day, as healthier employees are more focused, energized, and able to perform at their best.
  2. Cost reduction: Wellness programs help reduce costs associated with healthcare by encouraging preventative care and healthy lifestyle choices. They can lower the incidence of chronic illnesses and reduce the need for expensive medical treatments.
  3. Reduced absenteeism: By supporting employees in staying healthy and resilient, wellness programs contribute to reduced absenteeism. These programs help decrease the frequency of sick days and ensure a more consistent workforce presence.
  4. Attracting and keeping talent: A wellness program makes organizations more appealing to potential hires and helps retain current employees. Candidates often seek workplaces that prioritize their well-being, and existing employees are more likely to stay loyal to a company that invests in their health and happiness.
  5. Boosted employee satisfaction: Wellness programs contribute to a positive work environment, enhancing overall job satisfaction and team morale. When employees feel supported in their health, they are more engaged, motivated, and proud to be part of an organization.

“A commitment to a culture of wellness is the most critical step toward success for employers seeking to reduce healthcare costs and improve employee health. Many employers offer valuable programs to boost health plan savings and enhance patient outcomes, including preventive care, mental health resources, and chronic disease management. However, these programs often fall short of their full potential due to underutilization or fragmented implementation. At WeCare tlc, we bridge these gaps by leveraging our advanced primary care model to maximize the use of wellness programs, streamline referrals and follow-ups, and unify individual services into a seamless continuum of care. This approach ensures both improved health outcomes and optimized cost savings for employers.”

— Raegan Garber Le Douaron, CEO and President of WeCare tlc

Five steps for success

#1: Secure leadership support

Commitment from management and workplace leaders is imperative for the success of any wellness program. Their support sets the tone for the entire organization: leaders who actively endorse and participate in wellness initiatives demonstrate the program’s importance and encourage employees to engage.

Leaders also play an essential role in promoting the program internally by communicating its benefits, motivating employees to participate, and leading by example through their own involvement in the activities.

Related resource:
Improving employee health: Four actions to take today


#2: Conduct a comprehensive employee needs evaluation

The insights gathered from assessing various factors that influence employee health will shape a wellness program that truly meets the needs of your workforce. To evaluate them, analyze three aspects which play a significant role in shaping employee well-being:

  • The work environment (such as the office’s physical conditions, comfort, and safety).
  • Their personal habits (like diet, exercise, other lifestyle choices, stress management, and more).
  • The broader organization (company’s culture, policies, and practices).

To get this information, you can use a mix of methods. You might start with something informal, like chatting with employees, setting up a suggestion box, or asking for input during team meetings. A more structured approach involves conducting an employee health survey, working with focus groups, and even reviewing employees’ health data to better understand the factors at play.

Implementing a wellness program in the workplace


#3: Create a thorough wellness plan

Carefully analyze the results of the employees’ needs assessment to understand which areas require the most attention. Choose initiatives that address physical, mental, and emotional health to ensure a well-rounded approach.

Also, instead of spreading resources thin across too many initiatives, focus on a select number of well-thought-out ones. Prioritizing quality over quantity helps ensure that each aspect of the program is implemented effectively and genuinely impacts employees.

For example, in each trimester, you might introduce one fitness competition to encourage physical activity, one mental wellness seminar, and one mindfulness workshop to help employees manage stress.

#4: Define specific goals for the program

Establishing measurable goals allows you to track progress and evaluate the effectiveness of the initiatives, as they provide a tangible way to measure success. For instance, a company might set a goal to reduce healthcare costs by a specific percentage through preventive health measures and by implementing health and safety practices in the workplace.

Related resource:
Workplace health and safety tips: Four essential practices

#5: Establish an internal communication strategy

Ensure that employees are aware of the company’s initiatives, goals, and achievements by implementing a comprehensive internal communication plan. Use various communication channels, such as emails, posters, and team meetings, to reach employees at all levels and in different departments.

Keeping the messaging consistent and providing regular updates will keep the program top of mind. Implementing incentives, such as wellness challenges or rewards, can increase engagement and encourage more employees to participate.

Additionally, create a feedback channel for employees to share their thoughts. This step will allow you to gather valuable input on what is working well and what could be improved, helping you refine the program over time.

How WeCare tlc can help

Implementing a wellness program in the workplace and integrating it with the services offered by near-site or onsite clinics creates a seamless approach to improving employee health. For example, it has been observed that participants in wellness programs showed significant enhancements in their exercise frequency, smoking habits, and weight management when compared to a similar group of nonparticipants.

Employees can access a comprehensive support system that addresses their health needs holistically by connecting wellness initiatives with primary care, health coaching, care coordination, and care management, among other services.

Additionally, having a coordinated approach allows the company to track and measure the effectiveness of its wellness efforts more accurately, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and that the program delivers tangible benefits to employees and the organization.

Are you ready to empower your team through wellness programs?
Contact us today to learn more.


Sources:
1. National Library of Medicine | Workplace wellness programs study
2. CDC | Workplace Health Model
3. CDC | Strategies for building a workplace health program