For many years, there has been a lot of discussion about the ROI for a workplace wellness program, including the critics who insist there are none. Many prospects start the wellness in the workplace conversation or the RFP by asking, “What ROI can be delivered?” – oftentimes seeking a guarantee. I believe there are two aspects of the worker/employer conversation that drive the ROI from workplace wellness programs:
- How much you care about your work
- How much your work cares about you
As I continued to ponder this, it occurred to me that employers who start the wellness in the workplace conversation by asking about ROI are not likely to get any return on their investment in worksite wellness!
At Engagement Health Group, we understand that you cannot enhance your ROI from workplace wellness programs unless you invest in transforming your organizational culture.
Pouring Fuel on the Fire
Employees are intuitive and can quickly figure out if management is only concerned about money – not about them. If they reach that conclusion, they are less devoted to their work and doubt the motives of management. A common concern many employees have about workplace wellness programs is, “who will see my personal health information and what are they going to do with it?” When you add a lingering distrust of management, it’s like throwing gasoline on a fire.
One factor that’s a dead giveaway to employees that management is all about the money is when worksite wellness activities and resources are only offered to them on the health plan.
Workplace Wellness Program: What’s the ROI on Benefits?
In addition to recruitment and retention, offering group employee health benefits including Medical, Life, STD/LTD, 401K, and more is a way of demonstrating that you care about them. It is my strong belief that an effective workplace wellness program is the best way to show your employees the love.
For example, an employee who becomes sick and disabled will quickly shift their priorities from their work to their well-being! However, if there was a workplace wellness program in place that coached them to become aware of unhealthy behaviors and warning signs that helped them avoid their condition altogether, they would not just save time and money. They would enjoy a better quality of life. As a result, they would develop a stronger sense of devotion to their employer, be more engaged in their work, and go the extra mile to perform above expectations.
You Only Get ROI from Your Workplace Wellness Program When You Give ROI!
The irony of this scenario is that employers are more likely to GET ROI from workplace wellness programs when they seek to GIVE ROI to their employees. Employees invest their time, energy, education, experience, and training in their employer. As a result, those savvy employers who truly believe their employees are their most valuable asset seek to GIVE employees more than a paycheck for their investment. When employees feel truly valued, they fully engage in their work and wellness, striving to exceed expectations. It’s like happiness – you can’t get it by seeking it – only by giving it!
Be the Employer of Choice with Engagement Health Group’ Workplace Wellness Programs
You want your organization to be the employer of choice so your employees relish the opportunity to work for you. Not just for the compensation and benefits, but for the meaningful work, the training, the mentoring, the growth opportunities, and so forth.
By seeking to create a supportive environment that helps employees be fully charged, resilient, and high performing with Engagement Health Group workplace wellness programs, you will strengthen your organizational culture and improve your ROI.
Contact us today to learn more about how our workplace wellness programs will increase employee engagement and enhance your bottom line.