Investing in A Workplace Wellness Workshop
In the past half-decade, one vital aspect of the workforce has changed: today, talents are seeking positions with employers who put their wellness at a high priority. According to the State of Work-Life Wellness report by Gympass, which surveyed 5,000 people globally, well-being has become a non-negotiable for professionals. One-third of workers said emotional, physical, and financial wellness are the most critical aspects of their happiness and success at work. These concerns were so universal that they remained consistent across generations, seniority levels, and gender identities.
A 2023 Merits report found that poor overall health costs employers $578 billion annually; thus, wellness is as much a company's concern as an employee's. The report indicates that workplace wellness programs positively affect stress management, health behaviors, and even cardiometabolic risk, boosting productivity and enhancing work satisfaction. Therefore, here are the specific aspects companies can zero in on to preserve retention and happiness rates:
Physical wellness
Physical health is a cornerstone of professional success. A Harvard Business Review study of 200 employees found that increased physical activity positively impacted next-day task performance, creativity, and focus. On the other hand, excess weight (a common concern for many employees), which may be due to inactivity, can result in fatigue, low stamina, and difficulty concentrating. Making time to get in shape can be challenging for professionals with busy schedules, highlighting the crucial role of employers in building avenues for healthy exercise routines. HR teams can look up "weight loss workshops near me" to help employees access like-minded members and coaches that fit employees' fast-paced lifestyles. With Peer Group Workshops that have a 97% satisfaction rating, employees can find support and accountability in their journeys; expert coaching and workshops can continue virtually to maintain momentum when work schedules get hectic. These workshops help unite people to work towards individual goals and support each other – soft skills vital in the workplace.
Emotional and mental wellness
Canadian employees already face mounting pressures outside of work that may affect their performance. However, employers have cause for concern as 16% of working Canadians say that work is a frequent or ongoing source of anxiety, depressive feelings, or other mental illnesses. In addition, 30% of employee disability claims are for mental health alone. Thus, wellness programs focusing on emotional and mental stability may help employees reconnect with themselves and their purpose, creating a capable and productive workforce. Previously, we discussed how workplace clubs could facilitate cross-departmental communication and camaraderie. Workshops can focus on teaching stress management techniques, awareness of mental health issues, healthy communication skills, and work-life balance. As we've discussed, such wellness programs have an ROI of $1.50 to $3 per dollar spent over two to nine years. Mentally balanced employees are likelier to stay engaged with their work, creating two-way benefits.
Financial wellness
Another often overlooked aspect of employee well-being is financial wellness. A survey by FP Canada revealed that 45% of employees feel overwhelmed by debt, while 43% are concerned about the future of their finances. According to a TFG report, financially stressed employees are 2.3 times more likely to seek a new job, costing employers up to $250 billion yearly. Employers can be more proactive in helping employees stay on top of their finances. Workshops can be beneficial to bolster financial wellness in budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. In addition, access to one-on-one financial counseling workshops could offer personalized support for employees in financial crises. Such workshops can help remove the stigma associated with debt and financial difficulty, empowering personnel with the skills to make informed financial decisions. A survey by John Hancock also found that financial wellness programs can reduce employee financial stress (82%) and make them more likely to stay with their employer (78%), leading to positive outcomes for their employees — and their bottom lines.
Dedicating additional resources to employee wellness may feel cumbersome when employers would rather focus on productivity. However, wellness itself is the key to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction; ensuring it for every company member should be the utmost priority for every employer.
