More Employers Using Holistic Wellness Programs

The Virgin Pulse and Workforce “The Business of Healthy Employees” survey found that, more than ever, employers are taking a more holistic approach with their workplace well-being programs.

Seventy-eight percent of employers are expanding beyond physical wellness to include broader well-being areas like financial wellness, mental health, and more (up 6% from last year).  Eighty-three percent of executives surveyed say they place improving employee well-being at the top of 2015 priorities.

Ninety-three percent of executives agree that well-being programs can prevent employees from feeling burnt out, and more than 80% of employees say they participate in workplace well-being programs to reduce their stress levels.

Additionally, the survey suggests workplace well-being programs have a significant impact on company culture—more than 80% of employees report feeling positive about work culture because of well-being programs.

More employers (72%) are positioning their well-being program incentives as rewards instead of punishments. The survey also found many organizations will increase the frequency of their communications (41.7%), adopt new communications channels (35.3%) and test out new communications types and styles (32.5%) in an effort to increase employee participation in employee well-being programs.

“There’s a much needed shift taking place in the industry,” says Chris Boyce, CEO of Virgin Pulse. “Gone are the days of focusing on physical health alone. Today, workplace wellness programs are broadening their scope and focusing on the whole person, which helps to replenish what modern life depletes. By taking care of employees’ overall well-being, employers are creating great places to work filled with healthier, more productive employees.”