Corporate Wellness

A thriving employee is a powerhouse, a positive and resilient force that tends to inspire and motivate those around them. Yet, with the increasing demands of today’s fast-paced working environment, employees need more personal health, wellness and lifestyle support than ever before.

With that in mind, Dr Leanne Mandim, Head: Clinical Management at Life Health Solutions, experts in well-being and health risk management, shares seven reasons why a corporate wellness programme is crucial for a healthy workforce:

1. Improved employee health

An integrated wellness programme promotes healthy behaviours, and provides resources and support for employees to take care of their physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. This can lead to a reduction in health risks, lower absenteeism, and improved overall health and productivity.

2. Increased employee engagement

When employees feel that their employer cares about their wellbeing, they tend to be more engaged in their work. A wellness programme fosters a positive work environment, boosts morale, and enhances employee loyalty and commitment.

3. Enhanced productivity

Healthy and engaged employees are generally more productive. By investing in employee wellness, organisations can reduce presenteeism (when employees are physically present but not fully productive) and increase the quality and quantity of work produced.

4. Reduced healthcare costs

Wellness programmes can help prevent chronic diseases, manage existing health conditions, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and encourage responsible spending behaviour. This can result in lower healthcare costs for both employees and the organisation, as well as reduced insurance premiums.

5. Improved work-life balance

Work and life are not mutually exclusive. But holistic employee wellness programmes include initiatives that support work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, stress management techniques, and strategies for managing caregiving responsibilities. This can lead to reduced stress levels and increased job satisfaction.

6. Stronger employee retention

When organisations prioritise employee wellbeing, it creates a positive workplace culture that can attract and retain top talent. Employees are more likely to stay with a company that invests in their health and happiness, reducing turnover and associated recruitment costs.

7. Enhanced employer brand

A successful wellness programme demonstrates an organisation's commitment to its employees' health. This can improve its reputation as an employer of choice, attracting skilled professionals and positively impacting the company's brand image in the eyes of customers, stakeholders, and the general public.

“The overall health and wellbeing of employees is crucial for building a reliable and resilient workforce,” says Dr Mandim. “By supporting their physical, psychological, and financial wellness, you can improve the overall culture and productivity of your organisation. While the specific benefits may vary, depending on the nature of the programme and the needs of your organisation, there is no doubt there will be a positive impact.”

 

About Life Health Solutions

Life Health Solutions is a Life Healthcare owned business providing wellness, occupational health, primary health care and emergency medical services to clients in all nine provinces of South Africa. Life Health Solutions is trusted with the health and well-being of over 485 000 people via its integrated health risk management solutions which services over 250 occupational health clinics and 83 employer wellness clinics across larger public and private companies and entities in the country. Visit https://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/about-us/life-health-solutions/