Today, the well-being of employees is more important than ever. The changes experienced in the world in recent years have made people redefine their priorities. Thus, for many, having a job in which they feel comfortable and valued is almost as important as a great salary.
It is in this changing context that workplace wellness programs stand out as one of the best benefits that companies can offer their employees. Do you know what a work wellness program is ? In the following T2W article we will tell you everything you need to know about these programs and their different types.
What are workplace wellness programs?
In general terms, a plan or program of labor well-being consists of a set of measures that a company implements in order to improve the satisfaction and quality of life of its collaborators in the performance of their usual tasks.
It is also necessary to consider that work welfare programs must be created to satisfy a clear and identified need among the company’s collaborators. Every measure taken should aim to satisfy that need. Subsequently, the results of the program are measured and the respective changes are made.
At this point it is necessary to understand that occupational well -being is not only limited to the physical health of employees. Other aspects come into play here, such as emotional or economic aspects, which also influence the well-being of people at work.
Benefits of a workplace wellness program
As we previously mentioned, implementing work wellness plans increases employee satisfaction at work. This has a direct effect on the company, since if employees are happy, they are more productive and less likely to change jobs.
Another benefit of a workplace wellness plan is that they help strengthen the employer brand. Employer branding is a very important detail for employees today, and implementing a workplace wellness program could have a positive effect on your brand and attract more candidates to your available positions.
Types of workplace wellness programs
Workplace wellness programs can be very diverse and take many forms. This is because each company operates differently and has different needs. Next we will see some of the most common modalities.
1. Continuous development programs
One of the main objectives that workplace wellness programs must meet is to meet the professional needs of employees. Every worker needs a sense of direction and development for their career.
How can an organization meet that need? One of the best alternatives is to offer continuous training within the same company. This offers workers a tangible professional improvement that will also have results in the quality of their work within the company.
For some companies, due to the functioning and structure of their organization, it is possible to offer a career path. That’s another way employees give their career a sense of direction, as well as short- and medium-term goals.
2. Education programs
The training received by the collaborator can not only be internal and given within the company, but can also be complemented with external education. For example, in this case, an education-focused workplace wellness program might offer free courses at an external or partner educational institution.
This is why many modern companies enter into agreements with educational institutions in order to offer facilities or scholarships to their workers. The result is better developed employees who are satisfied with their position within the company.
3. Assistance programs
Another important aspect that work welfare programs are responsible for covering is the family welfare of employees. Let’s not forget that the family aspect and some circumstances linked to it can influence performance.
For that, one of the most useful programs that companies implement are those that are aimed at offering daycare centers. Let’s not forget that taking care of children is one of the main difficulties that workers face today.
Other forms of assistance programs are those that offer legal help, which can be very expensive and therein lies the importance of this measure. Of course, we cannot forget the medical assistance programs that, in some cases, can cover the collaborator and their relatives.
4. Leisure programs
Finally, there are also work wellness programs that focus on complementing workloads with moments of relaxation and rest. Let’s not forget that stress from work can significantly affect people’s physical and mental health.
For this, some programs focus on offering events such as integration days or birthday celebrations among all the company’s workers. This offers a respite from the intense pace of work that is experienced daily. Additionally, this improves the relationship of employees with the people around them.
Now you know better what a work welfare plan is and its types. Without a doubt, this is a measure that can offer many benefits for both the company and its employees.
