{"id":104301,"date":"2022-03-23T21:28:19","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T03:28:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/?p=104301"},"modified":"2026-04-21T14:49:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T20:49:24","slug":"employee-health-programs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/","title":{"rendered":"Employee Health Programs Worth Investing In"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Why_do_employee_wellness_programs_matter\" >Why do employee wellness programs matter?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#What_employee_health_programs_are_worth_investing_in\" >What employee health programs are worth investing in?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#How_should_employee_health_programs_address_stress_management\" >How should employee health programs address stress management?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Help_Employees_Identify_and_Tackle_Stress_Triggers\" >Help Employees Identify and Tackle Stress Triggers<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#How_can_employee_health_programs_support_time_management\" >How can employee health programs support time management?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#What_methods_help_employees_release_stress_at_work\" >What methods help employees release stress at work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Why_should_employee_health_programs_include_mental_health_access\" >Why should employee health programs include mental health access?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#How_does_collaborative_movement_improve_employee_health\" >How does collaborative movement improve employee health?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Why_is_emotional_fitness_important_in_employee_health_programs\" >Why is emotional fitness important in employee health programs?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Common_Problems_of_Employees_Associated_With_Emotionally_Unfit_Companies\" >Common Problems of Employees Associated With Emotionally Unfit Companies<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#How_does_learning_new_skills_support_employee_well-being\" >How does learning new skills support employee well-being?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Fun_Learning_Activities_Your_Team_Will_Love\" >Fun Learning Activities Your Team Will Love&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#How_can_organizations_encourage_a_healthy_work-life_balance\" >How can organizations encourage a healthy work-life balance?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#What_key_takeaways_should_employers_remember_about_employee_health_programs\" >What key takeaways should employers remember about employee health programs?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Stress_Management\" >Stress Management<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#8_Steps_To_Success\" >8 Steps To Success<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Provide_Some_Form_of_Mental_Health_Access\" >Provide Some Form of Mental Health Access<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Organize_Collaborative_Movement\" >Organize Collaborative Movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Emphasize_Emotional_Fitness\" >Emphasize Emotional Fitness<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Learn_New_Skills_Together\" >Learn New Skills Together<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Support_Work-Life_Balance\" >Support Work-Life Balance&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote executive-summary is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-width:1px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);font-size:17px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:20px\"><strong>Executive Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group executive-summary\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>What are employee health programs and why do organizations use them?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"executive-summary\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Employee health programs are structured efforts that help employees improve their physical, mental, and overall well-being. Organizations use these programs to reduce healthcare costs, lower absenteeism, and support healthier daily habits. When done well, employee health programs also improve morale, engagement, and long-term retention by showing employees their well-being matters.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-do-employee-wellness-programs-matter\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_employee_wellness_programs_matter\"><\/span>Why do employee wellness programs matter?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing the right employee health programs is crucial, as the prosperity of your business might hinge on it. The backbone of any organization is its people, and establishing wellness programs that provide practical and accessible care requires more than just financial investment.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"445\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.7_LcCNvX0KN_V0LaldzOaAHaEK.jpeg\" alt=\"Employee Health Programs Worth Investing In\" class=\"wp-image-104317\" style=\"width:624px;height:373px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.7_LcCNvX0KN_V0LaldzOaAHaEK.jpeg 445w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.7_LcCNvX0KN_V0LaldzOaAHaEK-300x179.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 445px) 100vw, 445px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.claconnect.com\/en\/resources\/articles\/2021\/workforce-challenges-pre-and-post-pandemic\">Before the pandemic<\/a>, most workers would show up to their jobs, whether they liked them or not, driven by the need for a steady paycheck and health benefits. <strong>However, the sudden change in our daily lives made many realize the importance of living fulfilling lives and the real value of their time.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, we will introduce several low-cost health programs that primarily require time investment to succeed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/design-wellness-programs-successful\/\">How to Design Wellness Programs That Are Successful<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-employee-health-programs-are-worth-investing-in\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_employee_health_programs_are_worth_investing_in\"><\/span>What employee health programs are worth investing in?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might be surprised to learn that the most valuable employee health programs are often free or low-cost. While there are numerous programs available for purchase that can enhance employee health offerings, the most effective ones foster collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Isolation has taught us that everyone has unique needs that must be addressed. The more we show our employees we care about them beyond the responsibilities and rank, the better we can assure they\u2019ll want to stick around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The more we show our employees we care about them beyond the responsibilities and rank, the better we can assure they\u2019ll want to stick around.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>People are increasingly unwilling to endure unsatisfactory lives, and job satisfaction is a primary driver of their happiness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Remote work has shown us that achieving a work-life balance is possible.<\/strong> This happens when<strong> employees are empowered to create a harmonious life for themselves and the company.<\/strong> By developing health programs tailored to their individual needs, you foster a workforce that is both happy and healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/effective-workplace-health-programs\/\">How Effective Workplace Health Programs Reduce Health Care Costs<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-should-employee-health-programs-address-stress-management\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_should_employee_health_programs_address_stress_management\"><\/span>How should employee health programs address stress management?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Imagine if stress could manage itself instead of constantly disrupting our lives and harming our health. Teaching employees effective stress management techniques is a valuable health program worth investing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many stress management apps available, which we highly recommend, and implementing best practices has been proven to enhance overall health and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Employee Health Programs Incorporating Stress Management\" class=\"wp-image-104494\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Help-Employees-Identify-and-Tackle-Stress-Triggers.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Help_Employees_Identify_and_Tackle_Stress_Triggers\"><\/span><strong>Help Employees Identify and Tackle Stress Triggers<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The first step toward successfully managing stress is by understanding the triggers that cause it to surface. It\u2019s only when people understand what\u2019s causing their anxiety that they can find preventative measures to try and stop stress from starting in the first place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Schedule Stress Evaluations<\/strong>. Require employees to document and reflect on their stress levels throughout each workday, paying particular attention to any noticeable patterns. Once they identify the things that cause their stress to rise, they&#8217;ll be better equipped to prepare for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Take Stress Seriously<\/strong>. Once employees learn the peak times of their stress, have them identify the specific tasks and responsibilities that cause their stress. Then, encourage them to present reasonable solutions, and it could be as simple as an additional five-minute bathroom break, or making sure to spread tasks more evenly among team members.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Promote Positive Posturing<\/strong>. We all suffer from <a href=\"https:\/\/hbr.org\/2021\/07\/end-imposter-syndrome-in-your-workplace\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">imposter syndrome<\/a> at some point, but by scheduling time for your teams to perform self-evaluations that focus on their strengths and goals, you are helping them build a career they\u2019ll care about and want to develop over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Be Open To Feedback<\/strong>. Too often, companies state that they want new ideas, but at times that leads to defensiveness, and leaders unable to adapt to change are quick to alienate teams. All ideas don\u2019t need to be acted upon, but those who want to contribute in constructive ways should be learned from, heard, and considered.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"472\" height=\"304\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.Z3cjW1wD9hgpkxpM46BAQQHaEw.jpeg\" alt=\"Meditation for stress management\" class=\"wp-image-104314\" style=\"width:620px;height:399px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.Z3cjW1wD9hgpkxpM46BAQQHaEw.jpeg 472w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.Z3cjW1wD9hgpkxpM46BAQQHaEw-300x193.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Create A Stress Plan.<\/strong> Once emphasis has been placed on managing stress, work with employees to find ways to help them reduce their triggers. Understanding their individual needs and developing healthy outlets that align with company goals will help them manage the stresses from everyday responsibilities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:&nbsp;<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/manage-stress-at-work\/\"><strong>24 Ways Employers Can Manage Stress At Work<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-employee-health-programs-support-time-management\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_employee_health_programs_support_time_management\"><\/span>How can employee health programs support time management?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you find that time management is a recurring challenge for your team? Despite the myriad of time management tools available, our fast-paced world often overwhelms our abilities, making effective time management a persistent issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Implementing time management strategies should begin at the top.<strong> If you&#8217;re struggling with employee retention, take a closer look at their workloads.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Setting unrealistic expectations in the workplace is a rapid-fire way to lose talent.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Setting unrealistic expectations in the workplace is a rapid-fire way to lose talent. Unstructured and poorly managed companies are less attractive than many employers once thought. Employees seek control over their work-life balance, but not at the cost of increased stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Time Flexibility.<\/strong>  Flexibility with work schedules is a massive draw in today\u2019s market because let\u2019s be honest, no one wants to miss their kid\u2019s soccer game to get non-urgent tasks done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage employees to set realistic goals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help them prioritize the hierarchy of their responsibilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Empower them to protect their time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-methods-help-employees-release-stress-at-work\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_methods_help_employees_release_stress_at_work\"><\/span>What methods help employees release stress at work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We all get overwhelmed and frustrated, and when not dealt with, those feelings have the possibility to lead to resentments and misunderstandings. By learning to keep perspective, employees are likely to deal with stressful situations in productive ways rather than damaging ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few ways you can encourage your team to keep calm and carry on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage them to see areas of frustration from multiple points of view<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allow them to take breaks when faced with stressful situations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help them find healthy outlets to release pent up stress like reading or journaling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remind them they matter by encouraging them to take care of themselves<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help them set boundaries for uncontrollable stressful situations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Misunderstandings happen, and by helping people see multiple points of perspective, they are better equipped to <a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20260314010535\/https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/healthy-lifestyle\/stress-management\/in-depth\/stress-relievers\/art-20047257\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">manage the stressful times<\/a> to enjoy the rest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/manage-stress-at-work\/\">&nbsp;24 Ways Employers Can Manage Stress at Work<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Journaling for Emotional Stress\" class=\"wp-image-104495\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Methods-to-Help-Employees-Release-Stress.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-should-employee-health-programs-include-mental-health-access\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_should_employee_health_programs_include_mental_health_access\"><\/span>Why should employee health programs include mental health access?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<pre class=\"wp-block-verse\"><em><strong>Did you know<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240523095050\/https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/workplacehealthpromotion\/tools-resources\/workplace-health\/mental-health\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">the CDC reports<\/a> that nearly 1 in 5 US adults aged 18 or older (18.3% or 44.7 million people) reported mental illness in 2016, and 71% of adults reported at least one symptom of stress, such as a headache or feeling overwhelmed or anxious?<\/pre>\n\n\n\n<p>Not long ago, mental health was highly stigmatized, often creating embarrassment for those willing to admit to their struggles. Today, online therapy platforms are a top contender of the ads circulating the various media forms we have access to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Left untreated, poor mental health and stress can negatively affect: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>employees\u2019 job performance <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>productivity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>engagement with their work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>communication with coworkers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>limits of physical capability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>daily functioning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Depression is also associated with higher rates of disability and unemployment claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cDepression interferes with a person\u2019s ability to complete physical job tasks about 20% of the time and reduces cognitive performance about 35% of the time.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<cite><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240523095050\/https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/workplacehealthpromotion\/tools-resources\/workplace-health\/mental-health\/index.html\">CDC.com<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>While not every business has the resources to send their employees to behavioral health specialists, the skyrocketing demand for therapists has helped pave the way to affordable alternatives to traditional therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there are still only a few mental health apps available, they are already showing significant success. Here are a few worth checking out (and aren\u2019t bad on the budget).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.betterhelp.com\/get-started\/?go=true&amp;utm_source=Bing&amp;utm_medium=Search_PPC_c&amp;utm_term=betterhelp+therapy_e&amp;utm_content=1240249175847486&amp;network=o&amp;placement=&amp;target=&amp;matchtype=e&amp;utm_campaign=124701580&amp;ad_type=text&amp;adposition=&amp;msclkid=93f7a4fd09ef1e8c0e16c6d6bbb693fc&amp;not_found=1&amp;gor=start\">BetterHelp<\/a>.&nbsp;As the largest therapy platform worldwide, their goal is to \u201cChange the way people get help with facing life&#8217;s challenges by providing convenient, discreet, and affordable access to a licensed therapist.\u201d They offer professional therapy available anytime, anywhere, through computers, tablets, or smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.talkspace.com\/psychiatry?utm_source=bing&amp;utm_medium=sembrand&amp;utm_campaign=Search_Bing_Brand_Psychiatry_Desktop_Phrase_%5bKNOWN%5d&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=talkspace%20medicine&amp;msclkid=9b956ad9635212382d6808f2d706c5a9\">TalkSpace<\/a>. This medication management app is a licensed prescriber for anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.headspace.com\/\">HeadSpace<\/a>. This meditation app was designed to help people incorporate mindfulness and meditation throughout their day, helping them consistently manage stress.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"474\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.K2ALpISZJDyrEDOKuKA1KgHaE8.jpeg\" alt=\"Employee mental health programs\" class=\"wp-image-104341\" style=\"width:610px;height:407px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.K2ALpISZJDyrEDOKuKA1KgHaE8.jpeg 474w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.K2ALpISZJDyrEDOKuKA1KgHaE8-300x200.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-collaborative-movement-improve-employee-health\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_collaborative_movement_improve_employee_health\"><\/span>How does collaborative movement improve employee health?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Sure, we can go far on our own, but we can go so much further together. Organizing collaborative movement is a fantastic employee health program worth investing in, not just for the obvious health benefits but also for overall morale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Getting outside for some good old vitamin D is always a great tactic to incorporate fitness and help a team bond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Group Fitness.<\/strong>&nbsp;No surprise here, you might be thinking, but there\u2019s a reason group fitness often makes it into conversations centered around employee health programs worth investing in: they\u2019re proven to produce results. When people are doing something fun that doesn\u2019t feel like exercise, it helps them remember how good it feels to get out and move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Show Them The Money<\/strong>. Who doesn\u2019t love winning the pot of a company challenge? However, programs with money as incentives where everyone gets a piece of the pot give employees extra incentive, helping them earn some dough while sweating off some frosting.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"434\" height=\"316\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.LFEMTebdVIHhBmxfhZTMnAHaE8.jpeg\" alt=\"group fitness support\" class=\"wp-image-104342\" style=\"width:580px;height:422px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.LFEMTebdVIHhBmxfhZTMnAHaE8.jpeg 434w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.LFEMTebdVIHhBmxfhZTMnAHaE8-300x218.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 434px) 100vw, 434px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Try App-Based Challenges<\/strong>. One of the best parts about apps is their ease of use, being ready and able to start collecting health data immediately.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/apps.apple.com\/us\/app\/couch-to-5k-run-training\/id448474423\">Couch to 5K<\/a>&nbsp;is a great one to start with and has a 4.6 rating from over 3.9K reviewers. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2020\/01\/02\/office-challenge-ideas-office-fitness-challenges\/\">50 Office Challenge Ideas Including Office Fitness Challenges<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-emotional-fitness-important-in-employee-health-programs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_emotional_fitness_important_in_employee_health_programs\"><\/span>Why is emotional fitness important in employee health programs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might not have heard this one before, as it\u2019s a relatively new term, but&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthpartners.com\/knowledgeexchange\/display\/document-rn1470\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">emotional fitness<\/a>&nbsp;should be on your radar when it comes to employee health programs worth investing in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A person who is emotionally fit can: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>balance essential needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>cultivate feelings of belonging and purpose<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>flourish individually<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>An organization that is emotionally fit in the workplace happens when they enable workers\u2019 essential needs through processes designed to sprout a sense of belonging and purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>An organization that is emotionally fit in the workplace happens when they enable workers\u2019 essential needs through processes designed to sprout a sense of belonging and purpose.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing&nbsp;opportunities to help employees thrive has been proven to increase productivity, improve work quality, reduce work-related injuries, and support alertness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Common_Problems_of_Employees_Associated_With_Emotionally_Unfit_Companies\"><\/span>Common Problems of Employees Associated With Emotionally Unfit Companies<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Inability to concentrate.<\/strong>&nbsp;When team members aren\u2019t able to concentrate, it often leads to procrastination, exacerbating indecision, and increased difficulty in decision making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Increased trips to the doctor.<\/strong>&nbsp;Aches and pains require additional healthcare appointments, unnecessarily increasing preventable health care costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Poor work quality.<\/strong>&nbsp;Untreated emotional issues often lead to forgetfulness, leading to missed deadlines and increased absenteeism, resulting in poor work quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Unstable moods<\/strong>. Irritable or tearful employees might negatively affect relationships with coworkers and clients, resulting in low morale and decreased presenteeism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Showing your team the importance of emotional fitness by demonstrating it from team leaders is a great way to show employees what health success looks like.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/explore\/challenges\/\">WellSteps Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, and Emotional Health Challenges<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-learning-new-skills-support-employee-well-being\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_learning_new_skills_support_employee_well-being\"><\/span>How does learning new skills support employee well-being?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As highlighted above, an important aspect of an employee\u2019s health and happiness is having a sense of belonging and purpose. While not everyone thrives in social settings, creating opportunities for your team to connect is crucial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Providing employees with chances to relax in a space with their coworkers, specifically designed for non-work activities, is an excellent way to boost participation. Ensure these activities require employees to keep their hands busy for a set period, as this can help engage even those who might be less comfortable in social situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fun_Learning_Activities_Your_Team_Will_Love\"><\/span>Fun Learning Activities Your Team Will Love&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cooking Classes<\/strong>.  Look into local cooking classes, or better yet, hire a chef from a nearby favorite to come and teach your team some new skills. Chopped challenge anyone?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"472\" height=\"338\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.h7dIf5uwmgzmr4NB3YDHSQHaFS.jpeg\" alt=\"group cooking classes\" class=\"wp-image-104343\" style=\"width:608px;height:435px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.h7dIf5uwmgzmr4NB3YDHSQHaFS.jpeg 472w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.h7dIf5uwmgzmr4NB3YDHSQHaFS-300x215.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Home Gardening Classes<\/strong>.  Whether getting tips from Ron Finley, the&nbsp;MasterClass \u201cGangsta Gardener\u201d Instructor, or taking a community class on native plants, gardening is a great activity to get your team working together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/web.archive.org\/web\/20240429032749\/https:\/\/www.skillshare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Skillshare<\/a>.  Take some time to flex those creative muscles in a photography class, or stock up on art supplies and test out a watercolor lesson with your employees. If your team doesn\u2019t jive too well on the creative side, the site also offers business courses in leadership, marketing, and management, along with many other categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best team leaders aren\u2019t afraid to show their vulnerable side (remember that whole emotional intelligence we referred to above), and when employees see their leaders figure out how to work through their new challenges; it might just inspire them to do the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/02\/18\/staff-wellness-activities\/\">16 Staff Wellness Activities for Creating a Healthier Workplace<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-organizations-encourage-a-healthy-work-life-balance\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_can_organizations_encourage_a_healthy_work-life_balance\"><\/span>How can organizations encourage a healthy work-life balance?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If only we could go back in time and reconsider the creation of the five-day workweek. In some ways, Covid-19 did just that, but instead of reducing workdays, it introduced the hybrid work model, balancing office and remote work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People are generally willing to complete their required hours. However, after five consecutive days of commuting, preparing healthy meals, and attending to family needs, maintaining work-life balance becomes unsustainable. This reliance on fast food is no surprise.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"474\" height=\"266\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.u7c9b2wk3LHIJpHAz6t39gHaEK.jpeg\" alt=\"Remote working options.\" class=\"wp-image-104345\" style=\"width:615px;height:345px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.u7c9b2wk3LHIJpHAz6t39gHaEK.jpeg 474w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/OIP.u7c9b2wk3LHIJpHAz6t39gHaEK-300x168.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 474px) 100vw, 474px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>While not all businesses can offer remote work, <strong>providing employees with some autonomy can significantly build trus<\/strong>t. Strict hourly confinements are becoming obsolete in many industries, and leading this change is a powerful way to show employees they matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By offering flexible working hours and remote options when possible, you provide your team with something invaluable: time. This flexibility can greatly enhance their work-life balance, a benefit that is truly priceless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of employee health programs worth investing in, and often the most important investment is time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>RELATED:  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2021\/03\/16\/wellness-remote-workers\/\">6 Strategies for Successful Wellness with Remote Workers<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-key-takeaways-should-employers-remember-about-employee-health-programs\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_key_takeaways_should_employers_remember_about_employee_health_programs\"><\/span>What key takeaways should employers remember about employee health programs?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When choosing an employee health program, make sure not to overlook the internal changes that can be made in addition to wellness benefits. Like our bodies, the best way to see change on the outside is by first caring for the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stress_Management\"><\/span>Stress Management<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Empower team members to manage their stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Steps_To_Success\"><\/span>8 Steps To Success<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol style=\"list-style-type:1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help Employees Identify and Tackle Stress Triggers<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule Stress Evaluations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take Stress Seriously<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote Positive Posturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be Open To Feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Create A Stress Plan<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Be Realistic About Their Time Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help Them Keep Perspective&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Provide_Some_Form_of_Mental_Health_Access\"><\/span>Provide Some Form of Mental Health Access<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter which way you go here, this is likely one of the best employee health programs worth investing in. We&#8217;re big fans of apps like BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and HeadSpace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Organize_Collaborative_Movement\"><\/span>Organize Collaborative Movement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Get them involved and give them a prize to work for with the added bonus of team building and fun!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Group Fitness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Show Them The Money<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Try App-Based Challenges<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Emphasize_Emotional_Fitness\"><\/span>Emphasize Emotional Fitness<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Spend some time thinking about ways to improve the emotional fitness within your company and take care of it from the inside out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Learn_New_Skills_Together\"><\/span>Learn New Skills Together<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>C<\/strong>ooking Classes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Home Gardening Classes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SkillShare<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Support_Work-Life_Balance\"><\/span>Support Work-Life Balance&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The WellSteps team has helped thousands of employees improve their health, and we&#8217;d love the opportunity to demonstrate to you how we can help you with an employee health program. Schedule a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/explore\/demosignup\/\"><strong>Free Demo<\/strong><\/a> and take the first steps toward wellness for your team, your company, and you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"customer testimonials\" class=\"wp-image-104498\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2-800x450.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/employees-coming-together-for-a-cause-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773340849045\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What types of employee health programs are actually worth investing in long term?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">When leaders ask which employee health programs are truly worth investing in, I usually point them toward stress management, mental health access, time management support, and collaborative movement. These programs don\u2019t just look good on paper\u2014they help employees manage everyday stressors and feel more supported at work. Over time, those employee health programs improve engagement, retention, and overall performance, which is where you see real ROI.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773340853390\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How can we tell if our employee health programs are improving stress management and mental health?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">If you\u2019re wondering whether your employee health programs are really helping with stress and mental health, look for changes in self-reported stress levels, absenteeism, turnover, and engagement scores. You can also gather anonymous feedback asking employees if they feel more equipped to handle stress, use mental health resources, or set boundaries around work. When employees say they feel more seen, supported, and less overwhelmed, that\u2019s a strong sign your employee health programs are making a meaningful difference.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773340854204\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What low-cost employee health programs still deliver high value for small or mid-sized companies?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Some of the most impactful employee health programs are low-cost options like guided stress logs, reflection prompts, peer support circles, and group movement breaks. These focus more on time and intentionality than big budgets, which is perfect for smaller organizations that still want to support health in a real way. When you deliver these programs through a wellness platform that tracks progress and participation, you get a professional structure without enterprise-level costs.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1773340855008\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"> How can a wellness platform make employee health programs easier for HR to manage?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"> Many HR teams ask how to keep employee health programs going without burning out the people running them. A digital wellness platform like WellSteps centralizes campaigns, tracking, reminders, and reporting so HR can focus on strategy instead of day-to-day administration (Demo + solutions: https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/). That way, your employee health programs stay consistent, scalable, and easier to justify to leadership because you can actually show participation and outcomes.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get employee wellness program ideas from the WellSteps worksite wellness experts.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":108319,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[580,2042,1885,522,2041,2171,63],"tags":[58,2612,60,22],"class_list":["post-104301","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporate-wellness-programs","category-well-being-programs","category-wellbeing-programs","category-wellness-programs","category-workplace-wellbeing-programs","category-worksite-heath-promotion-programs","category-worksite-wellness-program","tag-best-wellness-programs","tag-employee-wellness","tag-top-corporate-wellness-programs","tag-wellness-programs"],"yoast_head":"<!-- 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Dr. Aldana authored over 75 scientific papers and 7 books on health risk management, healthy living, and health promotion programs. He has given over 350 keynote speeches across the U.S. on the ability of good nutrition and regular exercise to prevent, arrest, and reverse many chronic diseases.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/author\/steve\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340849045","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340849045","name":"What types of employee health programs are actually worth investing in long term?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"When leaders ask which employee health programs are truly worth investing in, I usually point them toward stress management, mental health access, time management support, and collaborative movement. These programs don\u2019t just look good on paper\u2014they help employees manage everyday stressors and feel more supported at work. Over time, those employee health programs improve engagement, retention, and overall performance, which is where you see real ROI.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340853390","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340853390","name":"How can we tell if our employee health programs are improving stress management and mental health?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"If you\u2019re wondering whether your employee health programs are really helping with stress and mental health, look for changes in self-reported stress levels, absenteeism, turnover, and engagement scores. You can also gather anonymous feedback asking employees if they feel more equipped to handle stress, use mental health resources, or set boundaries around work. When employees say they feel more seen, supported, and less overwhelmed, that\u2019s a strong sign your employee health programs are making a meaningful difference.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340854204","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340854204","name":"What low-cost employee health programs still deliver high value for small or mid-sized companies?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Some of the most impactful employee health programs are low-cost options like guided stress logs, reflection prompts, peer support circles, and group movement breaks. These focus more on time and intentionality than big budgets, which is perfect for smaller organizations that still want to support health in a real way. When you deliver these programs through a wellness platform that tracks progress and participation, you get a professional structure without enterprise-level costs.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340855008","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/23\/employee-health-programs\/#faq-question-1773340855008","name":"How can a wellness platform make employee health programs easier for HR to manage?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":" Many HR teams ask how to keep employee health programs going without burning out the people running them. A digital wellness platform like WellSteps centralizes campaigns, tracking, reminders, and reporting so HR can focus on strategy instead of day-to-day administration (Demo + solutions: https:\/\/www.wellsteps.com\/). 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