Workplace wellness programs have come a long way. From their humble beginnings with a heavy focus on fitness and nutrition, they have expanded to encompass initiatives that contribute to an employee’s overall well-being.
An International Foundation survey released last month, Workplace Wellness Trends: 2017 Survey Results, found that 90% of employers offer at least one wellness initiative. And while the old standbys (think weight-loss challenges and 10,000-step programs) are still going strong, the report found that efforts are growing in areas like mental health and worker growth.
Here are 55 workplace wellness programs to consider for your organization:
Screening and Treatment
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic services
- Disease management
- Free flu shots
- Health care coach
- Health fairs
- Health literacy education
- Health risk assessments (HRAs)
- Health screenings (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.)
- Nurse advice hotline
- On-site health care clinics
- On-site pharmacies
- On-site physical therapy
- Smoking-cessation program
- Telemedicine
Fitness and Nutrition
- Exercise breaks during work time
- Ergonomic training
- Gym membership subsidies
- Health coaching
- Healthy food choices onsite
- Nutrition counseling
- On-site exercise classes
- On-site fitness center
- Organized run/walk events
- Standing/walking workstations
- Weight loss programs
- Walking or fitness challenges
Social and Community Health
- Blood drives
- Charity drives/events
- Diversity initiatives
- Game leagues
- On-site events/celebrations
- Staff outings (holiday parties, picnics, etc.)
- Themed dress-up days
- Volunteer projects
Mental and Behavioral Health
- Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
- Gratitude/appreciation journals/initiatives
- Massages
- Meditation/mindfulness classes on site
- Mental health coverage
- Mental health first-aid/crisis training
- Stress management programs
- Substance abuse treatment benefits
- Yoga or tai chi classes
Worker Growth and Purpose-Related
- Creative/autonomous worker time
- Financial education
- Leadership opportunities
- Manager training
- Mentorship program
- Retirement celebrations
- Service recognition
- Subsidized professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Unlimited vacation policy
- Vacation/time off encouraged
If you’d like to learn more about the prevalence of these types of programs or the incentives employers are using to increase participation, view the full report: Workplace Wellness Trends: 2017 Survey Results and tune in to free member webcast, The Results are In: Workplace Wellness Trends.
Brenda Hofmann
Senior Communications Associate at the International Foundation
