While it is true that wellness programs are popular among large businesses, there is good reason for their popularity. Research and experience have shown that corporate wellness programs can benefit the companies as much as or more than the employees receiving the services.
Such benefits include less sick time, more work output and productivity, and an ease in meeting deadlines that may never have been experienced at that company.
So it would seem that wellness programs are more than just a new fad that will pass with time. Perhaps you have noticed your staff has been taking sick leave more often, or that their attention in things has been lagging, or that they are simply unable to complete the work assigned to them.
As a small business owner, you are undoubtedly very busy. But you may find that the benefits are greater than the costs when it comes to implementing a corporate wellness program at your company.
A couple of ideas that can help get you going are:
-Weekly chair massage at your location
-A weekly yoga program taught by a local instructor
-Games such as basketball or baseball played either at your company’s outdoor area or at a community field
-Exercise programs such as Zumba classes weekly or monthly
-Access to an area outside for free play and community
Some of these ideas listed have costs associated with them, while others can be implemented at little to no cost. Keep in mind, though, that a complete wellness program that has the listed benefits needs to include at least one activity that is outside of free play, such as a yoga class or a massage therapist. Free time to play will help with such things as morale and employee teamwork, but is not likely to substantially effect sick time and overall employee wellness.
So while your company may be small, a wellness program will be a worthwhile investment in the overall health and well-being of your company by helping your staff’s overall health and well-being. You can implement changes that will help your small business to thrive, and a wellness program is one large step on that path.
