Best Workplace Wellness Programmes

For many organisations, employee wellbeing has become a key priority for organisations aiming to create a healthy, productive and engaged working environment.

Workplace wellness programmes have become an essential initiative to support individuals in managing their mental, emotional and physical health. Arguably, the leading and most effective workplace wellness programme is an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Why is employee wellbeing important?

Employee wellbeing is the cornerstone of a thriving and successful organisation. When individuals feel supported and valued, they are more likely to perform at their best and contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s goals. Workplace initiatives such as on-site fitness facilities, and access to mental health and wellbeing resources can enhance concentration commitment, reduce stress and improve workplace performance.

People who experience stress, burnout or common mental health issues such as anxiety or depression are more likely to take sick leave. In fact, it is now reported that poor mental health is now the second leading cause of short-term absences (29%) and the leading cause of long-term absences (41%).

With this in mind, organisations can no longer ignore the issue of poor mental health if they aim to be cost-efficient and successful in the long-term. By implementing comprehensive wellbeing programmes, an organisation can reduce absenteeism rates, reduce employee turnover, which can be costly in terms of recruitment and training.

What makes a workplace wellness programme effective?

An effective employee wellbeing programme is one that supports the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. It must take all aspects of wellbeing into consideration, such as mental, physical, financial, emotional and social. A good workplace wellbeing programme also provides preventative, reactive and critical solutions for organisations and their people.

Here are some other key factors of an effective workplace wellness programme:

Signposting

Awareness is key to success. If your workforce is unaware of the wellness programme perk as part of their employment, then usage rates will be incredibly low. Signposting the service and how to access it is key.

Workforce involvement

Workforce wellness programmes are geared towards supporting individuals. The best way to achieve this is to ensure the services are tailored to them and are fit for purpose. Conducting workplace surveys and actively involving employees in the implementation and evaluation of the programme ensures that initiatives are relevant, accessible and valued.

Comprehensive approach

A holistic programme addresses multiple dimensions of wellbeing, such as physical health, mental health, financial wellbeing and social connection. Covering these key issues that impact your people provides a balanced and supportive approach that ensures improved rates of overall wellbeing, engagement and productivity.

Proactive intervention

Preventative measures are most effective when they are proactively implemented before an issue occurs. Providing your people with access to initiatives such as stress management workshops, accessible support and regular health screenings ensures issues can be addressed before it results in absences and possible turnover.

Confidentiality and accessibility

Ensuring confidentiality and easy access to support services is paramount. This may involve providing discreet access to resources like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs). Using an EAP can provide your people access to expert, confidential counselling services, financial and legal guidance as well as wellbeing resources they can access in their own time. This confidentiality provides individuals with a sense of security and confidence that they are being supported.

Regular evaluation and improvement

Continuous monitoring of the effectiveness of the programme through surveys, feedback and data analysis allows organisations to identify areas for improvement and adapt initiatives to meet the evolving needs of the workforce.

By focusing on these key elements, organisations can create a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing, leading to increased employee engagement, reduced workplace absences and improved productivity.

Top features of a successful wellness programme

Successful wellness programmes need a service offering that individuals can rely on and suits their needs.

HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s EAP offers a range of services designed to support the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of your people. Some of the top features are:

24/7 confidential helpline

Employees have access to a 24/7 confidential helpline, available 365-days a year. Your people will be connected with qualified counsellors who can provide support and guidance on a range of issues. Whether it is stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems or financial difficulties, our expert team are trained to offer understanding and support using solution-based counselling.

Face-to-face counselling

In addition to phone counselling sessions, we offer face-to-face counselling (upon request) with a qualified therapist located near your employee. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer this mode of counselling.

Legal and financial advice

The EAP also provides access to professionals who can provide legal and financial information, which can help individuals navigate complex issues such as pensions, investment, wills, divorce and other legal disputes.

HR and management support

We provide support to managers on how to best support with any HR-related queries and team management. This includes information on topics such as ongoing absences, policy advice, requesting Occupational Health Assessments and much more.

Virtual GP

Trusted by the NHS and in partnership with Livi, HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s EAP can provide your people with access to a virtual GP. This eases the process of individuals having to book time off to go to appointments and ensures easy access to medical advice, prescriptions, appointments and referrals.

SpeakUp Service

Using this service, your people have access to a unique and confidential helpline to report any workplace issues or concerns, whether it be bullying, harassment or discrimination. They can feel comfortable and confident that the service is confidential and ensure the issues can be addressed without fear of judgement or being singled out.

Occupational health assessments

If your people are struggling to carry out duties due to their health, our occupational health assessments can provide your organisations HR and leadership teams with recommended adjustments and accommodations. This can ensure a safer and more productive working environment.

Dedicated app

Wisdom is HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s award-winning app, which provides individuals with access to 24/7 support with counsellors. Wisdom is also packed full of resources from healthy eating to meditation exercises. It’s also a great tool for tracking one’s wellbeing, by allowing the individual to track their mood, steps, sleep and activity levels.

Financial wellness programmes to reduce employee stress

Financial stress is a significant contributor to overall workforce stress levels. To mitigate this, organisations can implement financial wellness support. Using an EAP, your organisation can provide individuals with access to expert financial advisors who can offer guidance on various financial matters, which include:

Debt management

Strategies for managing and reducing debt, including budgeting, debt consolidation and negotiating with creditors.

Financial planning

Assistance with creating and achieving financial goals, such as saving for retirement and pensions, purchasing a home or planning for another expense.

Investment advice

Guidance on investment options, risk management and retirement planning strategies.

In addition to this, HA | Wisdom Wellbeing has partnered with Munny to offer 1:1 coaching to provide individuals with the financial education that they want and need.

Legal assistance

Access to legal professionals for advice on a range of legal issues including employment law, family law, divorce and wills.

By providing these resources, individuals gain control of their finances, can reduce financial stress and improve their overall wellbeing.

Building a culture of health and wellbeing at work

Cultivating a culture of health and wellbeing within an organisation requires a multifaceted approach. Central to this is providing accessible support mechanisms for employees. By offering individuals reliable resources, organisations demonstrate a commitment to the mental and emotional wellbeing of their workforce.

Plus, a wellness programme can help promote open communication around mental health which is vital for destigmatising mental health and wellbeing. Normalising conversations around stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns can reduce the stigma and encourage individuals to seek support when needed.

How HA | Wisdom Wellbeing can help

HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s EAP provides a wide range of services, including confidential counselling, practical advice, a dedicated app providing access to a bank of online resources and access to a virtual GP.

Alongside support for individuals, HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s EAP is designed to support leadership teams. With access to HR management and support helplines, a variety of training courses and workshops as well as occupational health assessments, it is the comprehensive workplace wellness solution.

By addressing the diverse needs of individuals, from mental health support to guidance on financial and legal matters. The EAP not only enhances personal wellbeing by building resilience and balance in the workplace, but also cuts costs by reducing workplace absences, boosting productivity and engagement, thus making for a more successful organisation.

Conclusion

Implementing a comprehensive workplace wellness programme is a valuable investment for any organisation. By prioritising the health and wellbeing of individuals, organisations can cultivate a more productive, engaged and satisfied workforce. Programmes that encompass a holistic approach, addressing physical, mental and emotional health are most likely to achieve lasting success.