5 Ways To Keep Employees Healthy

Health and wellness has taken over the mindset of corporations and organizations, leading to a significant spike in employee wellness programs nationwide.

A recent study by Eastern Kentucky University stated that employers spend $300 billion annually for health care and missed work days as a result of workplace stress.

By focusing on employee well-being and their financial health, you redirect that trend while strengthening camaraderie and collaboration. You are as good as your workforce. So, why not invest in what matters most? Here are five ways you can keep employees mentally and physically healthy.

1. Build a culture of health

Wellness has to be more than just a program — it needs to be a way of life. Buy-in is necessary from the top of an organization down, which can then be engrained in your mission, policies and health benefits.

2. Engage employees

Local committees and wellness champions are critical to a wellness program’s infrastructure. You need dedicated people to promote programs and various wellness-related initiatives. Offer feedback surveys to properly gauge success. Use that information to design subsequent initiatives that are centered on employee needs and incentives.

3. Communicate strategically and effectively

Communicating with internal and external audiences has never been more important. Curate messaging around what matters to your colleagues. Be consistent, engaging and targeted. Track everything by observing the data and analytics. Remember, the numbers don’t lie.

4. Follow best practices

Our society is cyclical. Adapt to what has worked and make it your own. Offer health screenings and triage employees. Make it convenient and unique. A few years ago, Northwell Health began walking challenges, encouraging employees to team up and get walking. Winning teams were rewarded, with top prizes including trips to Paris, the Seven Wonders of the World and to a destination of their choice.

5. Measure and evaluate

Establish a framework of evaluation. See what works and retool. You will benefit from realizing the possible financial, health and productivity outcomes that comes with effective wellness programs.

Photo caption: Patricia Flynn is associate vice president for employee wellness at Northwell Health. A recognized leader in developing programs that promote a cost-effective culture of health, Ms. Flynn joined Northwell after a 25-year career at Johnson & Johnson