We're looking for a wide range of cheap (not necessarily free) and easy employee wellness ideas that employees actually appreciate and make use of. We're especially interested in ideas that employees care about.
Also, we place a big value on simple to administer.
For instance, our company offers free fresh fruit, so there's always a healthy snack option.
Any suggestions and experiences appreciated. Thanks!
I am not sure of the size of your company, but we have had success at forming at Weight Watchers group where we paid a portion of the weekly fees and the leader cam to our sight. Meetings are held during lunch. Also, company wide "wellness contests" whereby people sign up and we give them pedometers to track their steps, etc. Also maybe look to negotiating a discount rate at a local gym for memberships.
What's driving this in your company?
1- finding ways to rein in the costs of healthcare?
2-offering perks that will help you retain/attract the talent you need to go forward?
3-other?
I have seen companies addressing #1 above provide each employee a table that shows how health premiums can be reduced by employees adopting wellness activities, and offering incentives (like lower employee contribution to the premiums) where they do sign up. You are trying to change behavior of people, and so it's really a change
What is important is the continuous measurement of how the programs are working, from a baseline measurement at inception onwards. That may include quantitative assessments (e.g. how many employees are earning health premium discounts, what discounts did they earn this year?) to qualitative surveys (e.g. how do you like....?).
NextSpace is really big on honoring the "humanness" of our employees. This, to us, means that we acknowledge that our employees have other priorities in their life along with their job. Flexible time/scheduling, whether it is paid or not, is honoring of their need to be with family and friends at various times (to coach their kid's soccer team, be at a good friend's wedding a day early, or visit an elderly parent every Wednesday afternoon). Saying that the company is willing to work out something to give a few hours of meaning time back to the human you employ is huge in terms of caring for your people. What we have realized in return is that our people come to work cared for, and their heart-mind is willing to return that sentiment and care for our members and cover for other employees who need their time away. This takes time to communicate and organize, but the return can be very meaningful and increase retention and loyalty. Have fun!
