Why are corporate wellness and wellbeing programs so important?

Corporate wellness is becoming more and more important and relevant today. Really, it’s no longer a luxury to experience corporate yoga classes in your office, it’s a necessity. And yes, of course, swap corporate yoga for corporate Pilates or your lunchtime boot camp class.

But why is a corporate wellness program so important?

Not only are regular health and wellness activities, like a Yoga class, or a meditation session enjoyable initiatives for employees but the business also greatly benefits.

A healthy employee is a happier, more productive and effective member of the team. Better health means fewer sick days. Also, the more sedentary our work becomes the more of a necessity it is to take the time to move. We are not designed to sit as long as we do, it’s little wonder why so many people suffer from back and neck pain.

Wellness activities are also fantastic opportunities for team bonding. They really do create a more positive office culture, this again leads to happier staff and more cohesive teamwork.

People are not machines, they can’t just go and go and go. When the culture prioritises work productivity over employee wellbeing this will lead to burnout and unhappy, unsatisfied employees who are more likely to leave if the opportunity arises. 

What does a corporate wellbeing program look like?

There is no one size fits all when it comes to workplace health and wellbeing programs. The same way it works for individual exercise and wellbeing activities.

It’s important to check in with staff and take note of what kind of movement and wellness activities are best suited.  It is also important to touch on both physical and mindful health, the perfect combination could be Meditation and Pilates. Another option could be Slow Flow Yoga and Bootcamp! 

It’s not just about providing these activities it’s also important to motivate staff to attend them. To let them know that the executive office wants them to participate in the wellbeing activity. The best way to do this is to show them! During our own time working in both Private and Government sectors the best wellbeing or team bonding sessions were the ones where the executives participated.

Is corporate wellness just for big business?

No matter the size of the business, wellness programs are important. Even as a sole business owner it is imperative to take time away from work to focus on your health.

We’ve been lucky working within the health and wellbeing industry, it never takes us long to realise we are neglecting our health and wellbeing. As soon as we do realise we check in and take action. we schedule in the Yoga class, we take time out to meditate, we take meetings to the ground and stretch while we plan the week ahead. And ok, maybe not all businesses can do this but think outside the square. 

What about working from home? Do you still need corporate wellness programs?

With the increase in employees working from home it’s important to be able to take the corporate wellness program home. To make it accessible without a required space or teacher. This is why online workout programs are amazing.

While working from the home office or the kitchen bench, employees may experience poor postural health, isolation and lack of motivation.

There is a need for an effective and efficient solution that ensures employees prioritise their wellbeing and productivity in the home environment.

Always merrymaking,

Emma + Carla