Fast-paced work coupled with a fake sense of urgency has become the norm in the corporate world. Most Indians in corporations spend a large portion of their hours toiling in front of their screens. With this kind of sedentary lifestyle on the rise, health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, other cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues arise. When we talk about health and wellness, one would never think about associating health with their workplace. Where health and work integrate, there the idea of growth and productivity takes birth, and with consistent efforts from employers, corporate wellness can come to fruition. When most people think wellness is all about gym memberships, green juices, and wellness at workplace being just about health benefits and off days, that’s when the whole concept of corporate wellness requires a paradigm shift. Reinstating the idea of corporate wellness is largely about the implementation of corporate wellness programs that can encourage employees, keep them physically and mentally healthy, and inspire them for productivity and excellence.
In this blog, we will explore the current state of the corporate world in India, the immense power and benefits of corporate wellness programs, and some interesting ideas for corporate fitness programs.
Want to make your office a better place to work? Dive into this blog and explore some great employee well-being initiatives that you can incorporate into your organization.
The Current State of Employee Wellbeing: A Deeper Dive
Escalating Stress Levels: In the current scenario, corporate employees in India experience high levels of stress due to long working hours, tight schedules, and deadlines. Work stress can eventually lead to burnout.
Mental Health Struggles: Due to the escalating stress levels, not only are people affected externally with physical issues, but these all cause internal issues and mental health struggles. There is still a lot of stigma around mental health, which stops people from seeking help or even talking about their struggles.
Physical Health Concerns: Physical health issues can arise due to sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, and unhealthy eating habits like the consumption of junk and fast food. Diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension, obesity are some common physical health concerns prevalent among corporate professionals.
Social Isolation: Long working hours and ‘grinding’ as they call it now to get to their desired career peak can lead to social isolation and cause mental health issues. High levels of competition, organizational pressures can also cause isolation.
Decreased Productivity: All these disruptions in the well-being of the individuals can decrease productivity and efficiency.
The Power of an Employee Wellness Initiative
India is a diverse nation and one-size-fits-all corporate wellness programs cannot cater to the needs of different people in varied organizations. However certain concepts can be included to improve and design corporate wellness programs in a way that can be suitable to the specific needs of an organization.
The following are some techniques that can be considered to craft successful corporate wellness programs:
- Gamification:
Through gamification wellness programs can be turned into fun challenges. This makes it more engaging and fun for employees allowing greater participation.
Wellness Challenges and Teams: Fun filled games and activities can be set up as challenges. This can encourage the employees to come together as a team and engage in friendly competition. It can teach them the skill of togetherness and respect while enriching their minds and taking the burden of work stress off their backs.
Virtual Wellness Games: This kind of virtual engagement through games can help remote employees engage with each other. Virtual platforms can be used to host games and other activities.
Rewards and Incentives: Recognition, rewards and benefits can go a long way in encouraging employees to achieve their wellness goals. Rewards and incentives can also be arranged and distributed in a fun way. Such things combined with employee wellness initiatives can drive more engagement within the organization.
- Personalization:
Health Assessments: health and wellness programs can be tailored to fit the specific and unique needs of individuals in an organization.
Flexible Program Options: Corporate wellness programs offer flexible options. Some of these programs are stress management techniques, physical fitness activities like yoga, Zumba, nutritional education and many more.
Health Coaching and Counseling: Mental health resources, coaching, and counseling services are other things that are included in addition to corporate fitness programs.
- Social Integration:
Encouraging Peer Support and Collaboration
Social Platforms and Communication: The company’s social platforms can be used to connect with employees and communicate with them by sharing health and wellness tips.
Group Activities and Classes: Organizing activities, team building exercises and wellness workshops on a consistent basis can promote social interaction and improve the overall dynamics of the workplace.
What are the benefits of corporate wellness programs?
Corporate fitness programs and activities increase productivity and engagement by keeping employees physically and mentally active.
Healthy and happy employees experience greater job satisfaction and fun filled activities focused on employee wellbeing can improve retention rates.
Having corporate fitness programs regularly can lower healthcare costs for the company and individuals as they will remain healthier.
FAQs
- How do corporate wellness programs benefit employees?
Corporate wellness programs can benefit employees by promoting healthier lifestyles, improving their morale, increasing productivity, and nurturing a positive and productive work environment.
- What types of wellness initiatives are typically included in corporate wellness programs?
Wellness initiatives included in corporate wellness programs range from fitness challenges, nutritional education, stress management techniques, workshops to improve mental health, rehabilitation programs, health screenings, etc.
- How do corporate wellness programs contribute to employee retention and recruitment efforts?
Corporate wellness programs contribute to employee retention and recruitment efforts by improving the workplace environment, making it more positive, reducing absenteeism, and attracting talented individuals. People want to be a part of an organization that promotes work-life balance and shows the employees’ dedication to the wellbeing of their employees.