Many companies are paying close attention to employees’ well-being programs. But there are also businesses, which ignore it and solely focus on activities that directly lead to increased revenue and reduced costs. What is the right approach? Is money spent for well-being just a cost or an investment? I looked into research papers and case studies. Whether you belong to one group or another, you should know this in order to increase the performance of your employees at work.

Investment into health increases productivity and saves costs

Imagine you could reduce sick days of your employees. How much money would you save? According to the research of American Academy of Sleep Medicine, only in the U.S., insomnia is costing $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. The solution for this problem could be a well-being program and treatment of affected employees. Unfortunately, many of these employers choose to ignore this problem.

The study on productivity and well-being programs published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (October 2013) says that companies health promotion programs boost productivity at workplace. It can increase productive time by 0.5% per employee and reduction in lost work time in approximate amount of 10.3 hours of additional productive time a year. Saving per participating employee could be, according to this study, $350.

Another study from Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (September 2015) came with interesting conclusions. The study followed long term development of a company’s well-being strategy and its effects on productivity. The progress of 2000 employees in corporate well-being program was analysed for 5 years. Researched company saved 5.2% on healthcare costs.

How does well-being sound to you now? Is it a cost or an investment? It’s your call.

How you can introduce well-being programs to your company

There a lot of ways to improve health and self-care of your employees. Here are only a few ideas:

• Raise awareness on the subject and bring in speakers to learn from Experts
• Encourage understanding that it’s OK to meditate during the day
• On-site gym or gym memberships – Exercise boosts the levels of endorphins (hormones of happiness), reduces stress, helps blood circulation, boosts immune system and ultimately reduces risks for many severe diseases.
• Yoga classes – Yoga exercises stretch the stiffed muscles and calm the mind. Sitting for long hours is extremely unhealthy and can lead to diabetes, heart problems and even premature death
• Healthy lunch and snack – You can start with a big plate full of fresh fruits.
• Smoking cessation program – Smokers with the consequences of smoking on health cost you more money than non-smokers
• Alternative transportation support – Promote bike instead of a car
• Additional services – How does massage therapy sounds to you?
• Cooperate with a coach – It can save you great employees who could be otherwise lost for burnout and depression. Coaches also help employees to increase their productivity and overall happiness.

On September 25th 2015 United Nation members adopted a set of goals including good health and well-being to ensure sustainable development in the world. We, the team of ‘The Bounce Back Coach’, help corporations and individuals to boost their resilience what ultimately leads to happiness, well-being and stronger health. We focus on 4 areas of resilience – mental, emotional, physical and social. I’d be pleased to introduce you our products and find the best solution for you and your business. Feel free to send me an email/ message.