Why Workplace Wellness
Healthy individuals mean healthy organizations! When employers choose to invest in the health and well-being of employees everyone benefits.
Benefits of Wellness Programs
FOR EMPLOYEES
- Increased well-being, self-image, and self-esteem
- Improved coping skills with stress or other factors affecting health
- Improved health status
- Lower costs for acute health issues
- Increased access to health promotion resources and social support
- Improved job satisfaction
- Safer and more supportive work environment
- Lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services (e.g., reduced premiums; deductibles; co-payments)
FOR EMPLOYEES
- Enhance return on investment (ROI)
- Improve employee morale
- Reduce absenteeism
- Decrease health care and disabilities costs
- Decrease rate of illness and injury
- Retain key staff
- Increase employee productivity
- Create a positive wellness culture
- Improved employee recruitment and retention
Be the Change
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), workers in America today spend more than one-third of their day on the job. Chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis contribute to high medical costs and lost productivity. Many of these conditions are preventable or manageable.
The workplace provides many opportunities for promoting health and emotional well-being. Employers can inspire positive change with workplace wellness programs and policies designed to reduce health risks that contribute to chronic disease.
Start with Small Steps
Did you know that chronic diseases are the leading drivers of the nation’s healthcare costs? Many chronic diseases are caused by key risk behaviors. Employers can improve quality of life by supporting healthy behaviors.
| Healthy Behavior | Workplace support strategy |
|---|---|
| Quit smoking | Adopt a tobacco-free workplace policy and encourage employees to use the free cessation services provided by the SD QuitLine |
| Eat healthy | Provide healthy snacks during meetings or to-go bags for employees who work off-site |
| Regular physical activity | Promote physical activity during breaks, encourage company-wide team sports or physical activities |
| Health screenings | Promote screening locations and offer incentives for employees who get screened |
Did you know: Workplace wellness programs can help employers communicate key messages that encourage health and wellness. Employees are more likely to take steps to improve their overall health when they feel supported.
What’s Next?
Explore examples of policy and environmental changes for the workplace
Build sustainable wellness programs at your workplace
Learn ways to tackle chronic disease prevention and health promotion
Involve team members in policy and environmental changes at your workplace
Browse our list of trusted sources and tools for a healthier workplace
Questions? Complete our workplace wellness contact form to get in touch with members of our team.
