Roots And Raw

Research shows that workplaces with wellness programs have employees who are more productive at work. These team members feel more valued by their employers, and in return make more of an investment in their company – leading to increased output and decreased time out of the office. Workplace wellness refers to the education and activities that a worksite may sponsor to promote healthy lifestyles for employees and their families. An investment in your employees’ health may lower health care costs or slow cost increases. Employees with more health risk factors, including being overweight, smoking and having diabetes, cost more to insure and pay more for health care than people with fewer risk factors. A wellness program can help employees with high risk factors make lifestyle changes to improve their quality of life and lower costs, while also helping employees with fewer risk factors remain healthy. Healthier employees mean fewer sick days, which is another benefit companies generally achieve through wellness programs. Employees’ healthier behavior may translate into better family choices, so employees may also miss less work caring for ill family members. Employees can experience many potential benefits after joining a wellness program, including: • Increased well-being, improved self-image and higher self-esteem • Improved coping skills with stress or other health factors • Reduced risk for developing chronic or life-threatening conditions • Increased motivation to improve health • Improved overall health • Lower costs for health care (fewer doctor visits, lower premiums, less need for expensive care, etc.) • Access to needed social support, as co-workers also strive toward healthier lifestyles • Improved job satisfaction • Safer and more productive work environment Employees who experience these positive changes and benefits will often feel more loyalty to the company and be more grateful for the company’s commitment to their health.