A workplace wellness program, regardless of the size of the company, is an important investment in your employees – your most valuable assets. Implementing and supporting well-rounded wellness programs is one of the ways small businesses are building a corporate culture that emphasizes health, fitness, and employee well-being (while also improving their bottom line). Many people spend more time at the workplace than at home, making the culture and environment at the office even bigger factors in promoting healthy habits. Keep reading to learn more about how wellness can make a lasting impact on your small business

The ROI behind wellness programs

Small businesses tend to have a different set of needs and challenges than larger organizations—which means they also have unique opportunities. They’re starting to recognize these potential elements of growth, especially in the area of employee wellness. In fact, one study found that 93 per cent of small businesses believe employee health is good for their overall bottom line. These are just some of the ways investing in a wellness program can help your small business:

Improved productivity

A study from the University of California shows that wellness programs lead to increased employee productivity. The impact can be significant, equal to an additional productive work day per month for the average employee. A workplace that consists of happy, healthy, and fit employees means increased productivity and better performance at work. Plus, they’re able to bounce back faster if and when they do get sick! More productive employees mean that your small business gets more done in less time—and with fewer resources.

Employee engagement

In small businesses, employees tend to wear multiple hats and may be responsible for more than one job. The bigger their responsibility, the more difficult it can be to multitask—and ultimately, the higher their stress level. A study from The Economist found that wellness programs can have a moderate impact in reducing stress while improving mental and physical health. On top of that, a culture of wellness rewards businesses by improving employee productivity and engagement.

Reduced healthcare costs

Rising costs are a challenge for many small businesses, but a corporate wellness program can help address these increasing costs by moving towards a healthier workforce. A study from Health Affairs states that every dollar spent on wellness programs reduces health care costs by $3.27.

Fewer absences

Sick days can disrupt a small business team more than they would a larger workforce. In a smaller organization with fewer employees, there’s a bigger impact when one employee isn’t working or able to contribute to the daily operations. An established wellness program can help build a healthier workforce and may help to reduce the total number of sick days taken by employees. In fact, Health Affairs states that every dollar spent on wellness programs reduces absenteeism costs by $2.73.

Recruitment and retention

A comprehensive wellness program can be a major selling point, as well as a competitive advantage for small businesses when attracting top talent. Ensuring you have a holistic approach to employee benefits and wellness can not only be a recruiting tool, but also may help you retain your talent. A healthy and happy team at any small business may mean lower turnover rates in the long run.

Wellness programs go a long way

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to employee wellness, it can only take a few teps and a simple program to show employees why their health and wellness is important. But remember that creating and implementing a wellness program takes time—we all know Rome wasn’t built in a day. So start with a few small steps to create your own wellness masterpiece, and help build a workplace culture that encourages healthier lifestyles!

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