Why your business should have an employee wellness program

Even though more businesses then ever are setting up employee wellness programs there are still a few business owners that are not aware of the benefits of using this type of program. The reality is that your workforce is your most valuable asset which makes improving their health a priority. While many business owners use cost as the reason for not setting up an employee wellness program studies show that whatever expense you put into the program can easily be recouped through the benefits that are gained. There are many reasons why an employee wellness program can be beneficial for your business. Here is why your business should have an employee wellness program-

- An employee wellness program results in employees who are healthier and more productive-Savvy business owners understand that in order for their business to succeed long term they need healthy employees. An employee wellness program can help to achieve that. When your employees are healthy they are not out sick and trying to recover from illness or injury they are on the job and working harder for the success of your business. Businesses with an employee wellness program report a significantly reduced rate of absenteeism. One of the major objections to an employee wellness program is that many employers feel it is to expensive with to little return. However, studies show that most employee wellness programs have a 300% rate of return making them one of the best investments that a business owner can make.
- An employee wellness program results in employees who use less sick time and health care-You may be surprised to learn that many businesses with an employee wellness program report that their employees use up to 30% less sick time. Keep in mind that if your employees are not using their sick time this is money that stays in your business. In addition, it goes without saying that healthier employees will use less health care. However, it goes much further then that. When your employees are healthier the health care they use is often more efficient and cost effective which can in turn lead to a reduction in your health care costs. Since this is a major cost for many businesses this alone often justifies using an employee wellness program.
- An employee wellness program results in employees who have higher job satisfaction and employee morale-Another interesting fact about businesses that have an employee wellness program is that their employees often report much higher job satisfaction and employee morale. While this fact alone can justify an employee wellness program there is a significant fact behind this as well. When your employees are happy they are much more likely to stay with your business. Best of all studies show that long term employees are most often the most productive employees. This can even translate into better customer service which affects the bottom line of your business.Since the cost of recruiting, hiring, and training can be exorbitant businesses should do all they can to avoid taking on this cost. Having an employee wellness program can help you to do just that.
- An employee wellness program results in attracting the top tier of job applicants-Few business owners understand the importance of having an employee wellness program when it comes to recruiting new employees. Today's top employees are looking for businesses that have a "whole life" approach to their employees. Having an employee wellness program shows job applicants that you care about the people who work for you. Often times even if you cannot offer the same amount of money as a competitor this is the kind of benefit that can tip the job applicant in your favor.