One of the most important stakeholders of any workplace is the employee herself. Employees are the central and most important aspect of any corporation, small or midsize business, or not-for-profit. This is because no such organization can run without its employees. Their fundamental importance in terms of the operation of any organization has been increasingly recognized in all spheres of the business world.

Employees are not just a part of the business, they are quiet essentially the business itself. There is a realization brewing that anything which adversely affects the employees will most certainly affect the business and its output. The well-being of the employees is beneficial to the company as a whole.

Unfortunately, there has been of late a chronic increase in employee illness and health-related issues. This trend is not an isolated one and has its roots in many lifestyle choices which have become a part of the current generation. The relative lack of physical activity – coupled with a fast food diet of burgers and pizzas – has led to a spike in physical and emotional ailments. In relation to employees, these health concerns are more magnified in nature. The long work hours, an essentially sedentary lifestyle and work-related stress tend to invariably get reflected in their work efficiency.

Most organizations are seeking ways to curb this disturbing trend. To this end, employee wellness programs are being initiated in most workplaces. A wellness program is essentially targeted at the improvement and enhancement of the overall health of a company’s employees, individual-by-individual. It encompasses the emotional, physical and mental aspects of health. In workplaces, the mental aspect of a job is important since stress levels tend to be high.

Wellness programs for employees may include a complete health evaluation, nutrition classes, fitness facilities, screening programs, lifestyle coaching and health education sessions. The foundational idea of these programs is that of making the employee more aware about her health risks and the methods in which she may improve the same. The motivation for participation on the part of employees may be provided through gifts, discounts on insurance, vacation days or any other suitable method.

Improvement of employee health means an improvement in the business of the company itself. The advantages of wellness programs are diverse and varied. Improved health will translate to a lower rate of employee absenteeism. Work productivity and efficiency increase, while healthcare costs shouldered by the company are considerably reduced. The improvement in the lifestyle of the employees will enhance their respective levels of job satisfaction.

Employees are a company’s most valuable asset, and the wellness program is aimed to improve their health and life. The wellness program can help the company reduce its overall expenditure to some extent, given that the direct costs (viz., healthcare costs) and indirect costs (viz., low productivity) will be curbed as a result of their implementation.

Any wellness program for employees has an inherent advantage. One of the benefits of such programs being implement will be realized in the sphere of work of the employee herself. Meanwhile, the company will benefit from lower healthcare costs and lower rates of absenteeism. Wellness programs are endeavors which are beneficial in more than just one respect.

Author Bio: Find out more about how all of this can apply to your company by visiting: http://www.healthyes.com/Public/Misc/WellnessPrograms.aspx.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Advantages and Disadvantages of Wellness Programs,corporate wellness programs,healthcare