Proactive managers will routinely find themselves searching for a strategy centered around one fundamental question, “where is the best long-term use of our company resources?” The shape, form or angle may be different for each unique situation, but the substance of the question remains the same.
What strategies will give the company the best return on investment?
Employee wellness programs are one of the most effective strategies for improving a workplace. There’s at least one spectrum to the many benefits that can create a far larger return than most might expect. Of those, one of the most important, and least-discussed, spectrum is employee morale.
The common doubt may go something like this: it’s impossible to measure the exact impact of employee morale on the value of any given workplace. This may not be entirely true. Morale affects more than one number on an executive’s data performance sheet. It can affect an entire company culture, department, or goal outcome.
When employees are happy and engaged, they perform at a higher level. Basic, right? But there’s more. It’s not just about increasing morale for a boost in productivity. It’s also about preventing lost time due to absenteeism, stress, and illness. These issues cost many companies far more money that traditional healthcare costs, as a recent study revealed.
A study by Harvard concluded,
“research consistently shows that the costs to employers from health-related lost productivity dwarf those of health insurance.” (Source)
The study found several major “hard-returns” that come from an effective employee wellness program, one of which was an increase in employee morale. Here’s a summary of the report:
Most analyses of workplace wellness programs focus on hard-dollar returns: money invested versus money saved. Often overlooked is the potential to strengthen an organization’s culture and to build employee pride, trust, and commitment. The inherent nature of workplace wellness—a partnership between employee and employer—requires trust. Because personal health is such an intimate issue, investment in wellness can, when executed appropriately, create deep bonds. See the study here
Creating deep bonds with employees can create a powerful company culture of trust and high-productivity. Employees feel engaged, and valued as important long-term assets to their company. This increases the likelihood of an employee staying at their company, as we’ve written about in a previous post.
For managers looking for new and creative ways to engage their workforce, an employee wellness program can be exactly the strategy to meet their need. It will decrease unseen costs from employees worried about their health, and result in an increase in morale.
The Star Wellness business model is designed to be convenient for both you and your employees, we come to you and screen employees in their workplace. Our efficient processes allow most screenings to be completed in as little as 5-8 minutes. And our aggregate reporting helps to identify problem areas within your organization so you know where to focus your wellness efforts.
The outcome is obvious: employees are empowered with a clear path to a healthier professional life, and a happier work experience. They become better employees for their company.
