Supporting your team’s physical, mental, emotional and financial health isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s essential for business success. Investing in employee wellbeing programs offers a variety of benefits that extend well beyond just promoting healthier lifestyles. In fact, these programs can contribute to your company’s bottom line, improve employee satisfaction and increase overall productivity. Here’s how adopting wellbeing initiatives is good for business:
A healthier workforce leads to fewer absences
Employees who participate in wellbeing programs are less likely to take sick days. Whether it’s providing resources for mental health, promoting physical fitness or offering nutrition guidance, these initiatives help employees stay healthy, reducing the number of missed work days. Additionally, healthier employees are less likely to experience burnout, keeping them motivated and focused.
Wellbeing programs attract top talent
As the job market becomes more competitive, attracting and retaining top talent is more challenging than ever. Candidates today are looking for more than just competitive salaries—they want employers who prioritize work-life balance and employee health. According to the 2024 Wellhub State of Work-Life Wellness Report:
- 93% of employees consider wellbeing as important as salary
- 87% would consider leaving a company that doesn’t prioritize wellbeing
By offering comprehensive programs, you signal to potential hires that you genuinely care about their wellbeing. This can be a differentiating factor when prospective employees are choosing between multiple job offers, giving you a leg up in the recruitment process.
Investing in wellbeing improves employee engagement
Employees who feel supported and valued are more likely to be invested in their work. Wellbeing programs can increase employee engagement by instilling a sense of belonging, supporting individual growth and addressing the holistic needs of your team. A healthy workforce is a happy workforce. When employees feel their mental and physical health is a priority, they’re more likely to show up, contribute ideas and strive for excellence in their work.
Financial benefits
Investing in wellbeing programs may seem costly at first, but the long-term advantages significantly outweigh the expenses. According to our own study on the effects of digital wellness programs at Alberta Blue Cross®, 81.5% of participants experienced improvements in a wide range of health indicators within 30 months of program implementation. These programs also led to a 14% reduction in claims volume, demonstrating how healthier employee populations reduce plan utilization. Beyond financial savings, the economic impact is further emphasized by healthier employees experiencing fewer illnesses, resulting in higher levels of productivity and less time away from work.
Build employee loyalty
A well-rounded wellbeing program builds a company culture rooted in care, respect and engagement. Employees who feel that their employer is truly invested in their wellbeing are more likely to stay with the company long term. This reduces turnover rates and costs associated with recruiting, onboarding and training new hires.
Improving mental health is critical for productivity
Workplace stress is one of the biggest productivity killers. Employees dealing with stress, anxiety or burnout are less likely to be focused, and they may even experience a decline in job performance. Wellbeing programs that incorporate mental health support—such as stress management workshops and access to counselling—help employees manage their mental health more effectively.
Wellbeing programs aren’t just about health—they’re about growth
Investing in a workplace wellbeing program is an investment in your company’s future. By prioritizing wellbeing, you’re not just improving employee satisfaction, but you’re also setting the stage for sustainable business growth and success. As you consider your options for building a wellbeing program, remember that it doesn’t have to be complex or expensive to be effective. Even small, simple initiatives can have a big impact on the health and engagement of your workforce.
Want to create a workplace wellbeing program but unsure where to begin?
Creating a successful wellbeing program that fits your budget takes thoughtful planning. In our blog post, “Key considerations for building a corporate wellbeing program,” we’ll walk you through important factors and share cost-effective options to help you get started.
