Having wellness programs in place is a win-win strategy for companies, as it makes perfect sense to take care of the people who take care of their operations. A lack of good wellness programs is like having a house that feels empty and cold. Residents eventually leave and settle in a place where they can flourish and find a place they can call home.

Here are some of the ways company wellness programs improve employee retention.

They Demonstrate Importance Given to Employees’ Well-Being

Words not backed by action are meaningless. No matter how well-meant your corporate message is about valuing your employees, it will fail to connect if it is not translated into actual practice.

Concrete, consistent, and results-oriented wellness programs that reach out, support, follow up, assess, and appreciate employee participation are a testament of the company’s commitment to caring for its people.

When employees know that their well-being matters to the bosses, they show appreciation through commitment and loyalty. They are infused with a dose of energy that they pour into their work.

A holistic wellness approach that supports their overall well-being goes a long way. Employees feel happier, healthier, more engaged, and more committed to their company.

They Promote Health and Wellness of Employees

Wellness programs that promote a healthy lifestyle help employees improve their physical and mental condition and reduce health risks. Some employees with health issues may not be able to perform at full capacity when they feel weak and depressed, and may be left with no choice but to leave the company because of these limitations.

When employees’ healthcare is supported, sick leaves and health insurance costs are reduced. Employees become less prone to illnesses, and they have more energy to do their work for longer years.

Without support for their wellness needs, employees lose their drive to work, feel lethargic and unable to perform challenging tasks, and begin to think about looking for a better work environment where they can thrive. 

Employees perform their best when they’re in a space that is conducive to their well-being and development as human beings.

They Increase Employee Satisfaction

Wellness programs that meet employee needs increase their satisfaction levels. Programs can turn negative signs of dissatisfied employees around in ways such as: 

• From distraction to greater focus
• From sluggishness and procrastination to energy and enthusiasm
• From frequent leaves and absences to less absenteeism and deeper involvement
• From low productivity level to higher work output, even exceeding targets
• From negative behavior like irritability and complaining to more patience and cooperation

Dissatisfied employees tend to dissociate. Without wellness programs to tether them to the company, they could easily quit and leave without hesitation.  

Wellness programs that support and satisfy their needs can draw them closer to the company. Employees don’t see a reason to leave a place where they are content and nurtured by a caring hand.

Being satisfied with their job does not mean everything in the workplace is perfect and faultless. However, when employees enjoy work-life balance and feel good about themselves, they become more tolerant and are better able to handle stress and challenges.

Constantly nurturing the pasture of the workplace makes it a nourishing and gratifying ground where employees can flourish and stay rooted