Happy January. The gym is jammed. Self-improvement goals are abundant. #Mindfulness is trending on Twitter. People are motivated to make improvements in their lives. It’s a perfect time to try something new with your workplace wellness program.
Below are the top 40 wellness offerings organizations are using to make their workplace an environment that fosters employee well-being, as reported in the new Workplace Wellness Trends 2019 Survey Report. Dial into these trends and increase your chances of having a work environment that impacts employee well-being throughout the year!
Offerings are listed in popularity order in each section—The percentage of organizations that offer each is noted.
Physical Wellness Initiatives: Nourish the body with fitness and nutrition offerings
- Standing or walking workstations (61%)
- Wellness competitions such as walking or fitness challenges (47%)
- Ergonomic training or workstations (46%)
- On-site fitness center or equipment (41%)
- Activity and exercise breaks encouraged during work time (40%)
- Healthy food choices in the cafeteria or vending machines (37%)
- Health coaching (37%)
- Weight loss/management program (on-site or subsidized) (36%)
- On-site walking paths (33%)
- On-site exercise classes (yoga, tai chi, aerobics, etc.) (32%)
- Nutrition counseling (30%)
- Massages (27%)
- Wellness/engagement-related worksite design changes (natural lighting, collaborative spaces, open stairwells, etc.) (26%)
Professional Development Wellness Initiatives: Promote work-life balance and employee engagement with these offerings
- Service recognition (69%)
- Professional memberships paid for by organization (65%)
- All staff are notified of internal job openings, and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply (61%)
- Flexible work arrangements (58%)
- Lunch and learns (57%)
- Subsidized professional development (55%)
- Performance reviews tied to organizational mission (55%)
- Vacation and time off are encouraged (54%)
- Transfers are encouraged when internal opportunities better fit worker interests (53%)
- Subsidized continuing education for designations (49%)
- Manager training (48%)
- Leadership opportunities outside job hierarchy structure via teams, committees or councils (38%)
- Mentorship program (35)
- Transportation/parking subsidy (25%)
Social Wellness Initiatives: Do some good and have a little fun with these ideas
- On-site events/celebrations (79%)
- Community charity drives and events (62%)
- Community volunteer projects (55%)
- Staff outings (55%)
- Blood drives (47%)
- Team-building activities (46%)
- Cultural/diversity initiatives or training (37%)
- Paid time off for volunteer activities (35%)
- Matching gift/matching donation (29%)
- Employer-sponsored sports teams (25%)
- Themed dress-up days (25%)
- Happy hours (20%)
- Game leagues (bridge, chess, fantasy sports leagues, etc.) (15%)
View the full Workplace Wellness Trends report to learn more about the prevalence of these workplace wellness offerings, how they are communicated and more.
Cheers to a new year and a happy, healthy workplace!
Ann Godsell, CEBS
Director, Professional Development Marketing at the International Foundation
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