August is National Wellness Month, a time to promote self-care, manage stress, and encourage people to adopt healthy routines. The importance of well-being and mental health in the workplace cannot be overstated. Employers can play a crucial role in promoting their employees’ and their families’ health and happiness in various ways.
National Wellness Month is celebrated every August to encourage people to prioritize their health and well-being. The goal is to educate individuals on caring for their minds and bodies and bring awareness to different ways to prioritize health. This celebration focuses on practices like stress management, self-care, and implementing healthy routines to improve overall wellness.
The month aims to raise awareness of different ways to prioritize health and explore numerous activities to promote and sustain every area of health. How do employers in Northern Virginia promote a healthy lifestyle? This blog provides ideas from award-winning companies across the region.
How Employers Can Promote Wellness
“As companies continue to adapt to the challenges of a rapidly changing business landscape, employee wellness has become a critical priority. The importance of mental and physical health cannot be overstated, and employers who recognize this are better equipped to attract and retain top talent.”–LinkedIn.
When employees feel valued, supported, and motivated by their employers, they are likelier to perform at their best and contribute to a positive work culture. Promoting mental health is not just beneficial for individual employees; it also creates a healthier and more productive workforce as a whole.
A study by the American Psychological Association found that employees who reported having a good work-life balance and feeling supported by their employer were more likely to report being happy and fulfilled at work (APA, 2024). Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that every dollar spent on employee mental health interventions returns an average of $4 in benefits to the organization (WHO, 2016).
Furthermore, physical well-being can reduce healthcare costs and absenteeism, resulting in cost savings for employers (American Heart Association, 2016). To support employee wellness, companies can take several proactive steps. Here are a few strategies that employers can use to prioritize the mental and physical health of their workforce:
- Provide Resources and Support
- Encourage Physical Activity
- Foster a Supportive Culture
- Lead by Example
Northern Virginia Family Service & CARE Awards
For over 30 years, Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) has presented the CARE Awards to recognize outstanding companies that proactively make our region a better place for everyone to work, live, and play. The CARE winners will be recognized at the CARE Awards event on November 13, 2024.
As a part of their well-being efforts, many of our 2024 CARE Awards applicants encourage physical activity and competitions, provide a supportive work environment, offer employee assistance programs, and promote open conversations about mental health with their employees. Moreover, several companies view their employees’ financial, emotional, and spiritual well-being as equally important.
Their ingenuity regarding employee benefits separates many of these businesses from others in Northern Virginia. For instance, one company connects employees with a specialist who determines the ideal work and home office space setup to help them be most productive. Another company encourages employees to take a three-month sabbatical after every five years of employment to restore energy, creativity, and productivity. Additionally, one of our applicants offers doula coverage to support its members’ holistic well-being during their journey to parenthood.
The data for employee well-being programs demonstrates employers’ critical role in their employees’ wellness. By prioritizing holistic well-being and mental health programs, employers like those in our CARE Community are reaping benefits, resulting in increased employee engagement, improved morale, and reduced turnover rates.
In conclusion, the benefits of wellness in the workplace are undeniable. As we celebrate National Wellness Month this August, let us remember the significant impact that prioritizing health and well-being can have on individuals and organizations. By fostering a culture of wellness, employers can create a happier, healthier, and more productive workforce, ultimately leading to a thriving business environment.