As National Wellness Month unfolds this August, the spotlight is on employee well-being in workplaces nationwide. While businesses are increasingly committed to providing wellness benefits, there’s a surprising gap: many of these valuable offerings remain underused. For HR professionals and business leaders, now is the perfect time to highlight these underutilized benefits and encourage meaningful engagement.
Mental Health Support
Mental health has become a priority, yet access to counseling through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) is often overlooked. The growing demand for mental health support makes it crucial to tackle stigma and foster a culture of openness. Organizations can achieve this by providing training on mental health literacy and hosting workshops that highlight the personal stories of employees who have benefited from these services.
Financial Wellness Tools
Despite the availability of budgeting apps, student loan support, and retirement planning tools, employee engagement remains low. To make these resources more accessible and relevant, consider personalizing communication about these tools. Real-life success stories and interactive workshops can be impactful in demonstrating the tangible benefits of taking control of financial well-being.
Preventive Screenings
It’s a startling fact that many Americans are not up-to-date with preventive care. Companies can play a vital role in changing this by incentivizing routine checkups with rewards or recognition. Simplifying the scheduling process and collaborating with local healthcare providers for on-site screenings can significantly enhance participation rates.
Fitness Reimbursements and Virtual Classes
In a digitally connected world, fitness reimbursements and virtual classes hold great potential for boosting morale. To drive interest, consider implementing wellness challenges or friendly competitions that encourage team participation. This approach not only enhances physical well-being but also fosters a sense of community among employees.
Lifestyle Coaching
Programs focusing on nutrition, sleep, weight management, and tobacco cessation are more widely available than ever before, yet they remain underutilized. Embedding regular reminders in employee communications can help keep these resources top-of-mind. Offering flexible access times and aligning programs with employee preferences can further boost engagement.
This National Wellness Month, remember that offering wellness benefits is only half the battle—the true value lies in employees tapping into these resources. Consider launching a communication campaign or conducting a survey to uncover which benefits resonate most with your team. Taking these steps will ensure that wellness offerings are not just available but actively enhancing your employees' well-being.