If you work for a medium or large-sized firm, you’ve probably heard about corporate wellness. You may already be a member of a corporate wellness scheme, or perhaps your employer has just launched one and you’re not sure if you should join.

The good news is that corporate wellness – also known as corporate wellbeing, or workplace wellness – is good for you. It’s become extremely popular among employers, and it’s not hard to see why.

Most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else, and more time with our colleagues than with our partners or families. Then there’s the blurring of lines between work and personal time, thanks to being permanently connected to our emails. This can all add up to increased stress for individual employees, which may in turn may lead to absenteeism, reduced productivity and decreased turnover.

No business wants that, especially when the alternative (fitter, happier, more productive staff) actually means a cost-saving in the long run, given the rising costs of health insurance. That’s the genius of well-planned corporate wellness programmes – they benefit employees and the company.

What does corporate wellness involve?

Corporate wellness programmes can take many forms. They typically involve educating employees about health risks and how to mitigate them, and how to make better lifestyle choices. Unhealthy behaviour (such as smoking) may be actively targeted, and employees may be given assistance with managing existing health issues such as high blood pressure.

A key component of workplace wellness is a screening or assessment day, often held in conjunction with a medical aid provider. This lets employees learn the vital statistics about their health, including their weight, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. HIV/AIDS testing and counselling may also be offered, and advice given on diet and exercise.

Attending a screening day is a great way for medical aid members to earn rewards points – another incentive to take part. They help make employees and employers aware of general health issues, which can then be tackled in the workplace.

Employees can be educated about making healthier choices, and employers can help by providing healthier snack options in vending machines and on-site canteens or encouraging employees to set up running or cycling clubs.

What makes a good corporate wellness scheme?

In any company, there will be people with different levels of health, so it’s important that any scheme is inclusive. No-one should feel left out. A good scheme also needs to be relevant to the culture of the company. Information should be made freely available, and recognising employees’ health accomplishments as well as their career achievements can be incredibly motivating.

This recognition can be linked to some form of perks system, perhaps based on results from wearable tech if employees are happy to share the data. While so many of us are aiming to reach our 10 000 steps per day, it’s reassuring to know that in just a few simple steps, companies and their employees can make workplaces healthier, happier environments.

If you’re interested in implementing a meaningful corporate wellness programme in your organisation, talk to THE people company today. Our comprehensive range of corporate wellness services could be just the medicine your firm needs.