What Corporate Wellness Programs Can Do for Your Workplace

^Throughout the world, businesses have been implementing corporate wellness programs for years. Corporate fitness and wellness programs, once limited to large corporations, are becoming popular among small and medium-sized businesses as well.

But how can wellness programs help employees and companies besides higher job satisfaction and better health and well-being? To address this question, we've compiled a list of the top advantages of wellness programs.

Improves Productivity

According to Occupational and Environmental Medicine, researchers report that enrolling in corporate wellness programs can boost employee productivity and save businesses money.

One of the primary causes of low productivity is poor health. Employees are less likely to be productive when they are sick.

Regular exercise, for example, boosts productivity and performance when part of wellness activities. Consequently, your employees will be more motivated and focused to complete their tasks.

‍Enhances Health Behavior

The major advantage of implementing a workplace wellness program is that it improves employees' physical and emotional health by assisting them in adopting healthy behaviours and reducing health risks.

The right wellness program can assist employees in developing and maintaining healthy habits like regular physical exercise and proper nutrition. Moreover, it may help them reduce harmful health behaviour such as smoking and drug addiction.

In addition, minimising health risks is fundamental to good health, and a healthy individual is less likely to suffer from depression.

‍A Focused and Motivated Workforce

A corporation that fosters healthy cultures has a focused and motivated workforce that views health as a competitive advantage. A health and fitness group activity can help employees feel more connected to their company and colleagues. In addition, a wellness program will build new connections with individuals as it involves all firm members.

A workplace wellness program is also beneficial to your employees on a personal level. By contributing positively to other aspects of their lives, people feel motivated to stay with the organisation.

"Taking care of your employees is the right thing to do, and it also happens to be good business." - Richard Branson

‍Retains employees

A wellness initiative has a significant impact on employee retention. The effectiveness of a corporate wellness program can contribute to employee retention. By implementing a wellness program, employers will be able to assist their employees in achieving their goals.

Offering a wellness program to your employees demonstrates your interest in their health and well-being. In addition, it shows and underlines the company's concern for its employees' health.

‍Enhances Employee Morale

Employee satisfaction and morale are important variables in determining a company's success. Employees feel accomplishment and pleasure by participating in health and wellness initiatives. This results in a happier and more productive workforce overall.

Since employees control their own health, their morale rises, and they are happier. As a result, individuals begin to like participating in wellness programs since it helps them. Living a healthy lifestyle causes employees to recognise and embrace the incentive of a health and wellness program.

Furthermore, employees that engage in healthy habits are often physically and psychologically sound, with decreased absenteeism.

‍Lowers Health-Care Costs

Employees' health benefits from working at a firm that encourages exercise and a good diet. It makes people less likely to be injured or ill, resulting in lower healthcare expenses.

According to one research, corporate wellness initiatives lower healthcare expenses. When your employees are healthy, they do not need to go to the doctor, pay their expenses, or purchase medications. This way, they can also save a lot of money in the long run. So, include your employees in your company's wellness program to keep illnesses at bay.

‍Closing thoughts

In order for employees to achieve their goals and dreams, they need a well-designed wellness program. Additionally, it encourages employees to reach their career goals by making them feel appreciated and cared for. A healthy work environment increases employee productivity, morale, and motivation.

Creating a positive image and an enjoyable workplace culture helps a company maintain a positive image.

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^Blue is a calming colour that is often associated with feelings of peace and tranquillity. This is why many people find that being around blue spaces, such as a clear blue sky or a deep blue ocean, can make them feel better.

Spending time in blue spaces with a lot of blue in the colour scheme – can positively affect our mental health and well-being. The colour blue has long been associated with calmness and serenity, and research has shown that being in blue spaces can help us feel more relaxed and at peace. In this article, we will examine how blue spaces can provide us with a sense of well-being and improve our mood.

Why Is Blue So Special?

There are a few reasons why blue spaces can positively affect our mood and well-being. For one, the colour blue has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind. In fact, many people associate the colour blue with feelings of peace and tranquility. This is because blue is often associated with the sky and the ocean, which are both known for their calming effects.

One study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that people who spent time in a room with blue walls reported feeling more relaxed and less stressed than those who were in a room with white walls. The researchers also found that the blue room was more effective at lowering blood pressure and heart rate than the white room.

Provide Anxiety Relief

One of the reasons why blue spaces can improve our mood is that they can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Blue has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body and can help lower heart rate and blood pressure. This is why many hospitals and healthcare facilities use blue as a calming colour in their design. So being around blue spaces can help reduce stress and anxiety and make us feel more relaxed and at peace.

A Greater Focus and Concentration

The Blue Effect: How the Color Blue Affects Our Well-Being — Photo by Arisa Chattasa on Unsplash

Blue spaces can also improve our mood by enabling us to focus and concentrate. The colour blue has been shown to affect our cognitive abilities positively and can help improve our focus and concentration. This is why many schools and offices use blue in their design, as it can help improve productivity and focus. In addition, being around blue spaces can help improve our cognitive abilities, making us feel more alert and focused.

Benefits Beyond Mental Health

In addition to the psychological benefits of blue spaces, they can also have physical health benefits. For example, being around blue spaces can help to improve our immune system, as the colour blue has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. This means it can help kill bacteria and other germs that can cause illness. So being around blue spaces helps protect our health and keep us feeling our best.

"Blue is the only color which maintains its own character in all its tones ... it will always stay blue." - Raoul Dufy

Incorporating More Blue Spaces

Spend More Time Outside

One way to incorporate more blue spaces into our lives is to spend more time outdoors. The sky and the ocean are two examples of naturally occurring blue spaces that can provide us with many of the benefits discussed above.

More Beach or Lake Visits

Visit the beach or a lake more often. One of the easiest ways to incorporate more blue spaces into our lives is to visit bodies of water regularly. The sound of waves crashing against the shore or a gentle stream can have a calming effect on our minds and help reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, the fresh air and sunlight can boost our mood and overall health.

Water Sports

Bring nature indoors. If you need easy access to a body of water, you can still incorporate blue spaces into your daily life by bringing nature indoors. This can be as simple as placing a fish tank in your home or office or adding a few plants to your space. The presence of water and greenery can help create a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

Closing Thoughts

As a corporate wellness company, we are always looking for ways to improve our client's employees' mental and physical well-being. One strategy that we have found to be particularly effective is the incorporation of blue spaces into the work environment.

Studies have shown that blue hues can have a calming and soothing effect on people, reducing stress and improving overall feelings of well-being. This can be especially beneficial in a corporate setting, where employees are often pressured to meet deadlines and perform at their best. Have you tried incorporating blue into your workplace? We would like to hear about your experience if you have one.

78 Years of Progress: From Chai Breaks to Corporate Wellness

^As India gears up to celebrate its 78th Independence Day, it's a time for reflection and gratitude. We remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and the remarkable progress we've made as a nation. Amidst the celebrations, it's also an opportune moment to acknowledge the transformative journey of workplace wellness in India - a journey that parallels our nation's pursuit of progress and prosperity.

From the humble chai breaks of the past to the sophisticated corporate wellness programs of today, India's workplaces have come a long way. This article takes you on an insightful journey through the evolution of workplace wellness in India, highlighting key milestones, overcoming challenges, and envisioning the promising future that lies ahead.

The Early Days

In the early years of independence, the focus was primarily on industrial growth and economic development. Workplace health was often synonymous with physical safety and preventing occupational hazards. The Factories Act of 1948, a landmark legislation, laid down basic standards for working conditions, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for factory workers.

However, the concept of employee wellness was still in its nascent stage. The traditional Indian workplace was characterized by long working hours, limited breaks, and a focus on output rather than the well-being of employees.

The 1980s and Beyond

The 1980s marked a turning point. The devastating Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, one of the world's worst industrial disasters, underscored the critical importance of workplace safety and environmental protection. This incident led to a series of reforms, including the enactment of stricter regulations and the establishment of the National Safety Council.

Simultaneously, the rise of the IT industry and the globalization of the Indian economy brought about a paradigm shift in the workplace. The new work culture, with its emphasis on technology and knowledge, brought to light the importance of addressing not just physical health but also mental and emotional well-being. Stress, burnout, and lifestyle diseases became prevalent concerns, necessitating a more holistic approach to employee wellness.

The Rise of Corporate Wellness

The 21st century witnessed a significant transformation in the Indian corporate landscape. Companies began recognizing that a healthy and happy workforce is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage.

The concept of corporate wellness gained traction, with companies investing in employee health and well-being programs. Initially, these programs focused on providing basic health checkups and promoting physical fitness through gym memberships and yoga classes.

However, as the understanding of wellness evolved, so did the scope of these programs. Today, leading organizations in India offer comprehensive wellness initiatives that encompass physical, mental, emotional, and even financial well-being. From stress management workshops to mindfulness sessions, from ergonomic assessments to financial planning seminars, corporate wellness programs have become an integral part of the modern Indian workplace.

Key Milestones in India's Workplace Wellness Journey

1948: The Factories Act - A pioneering legislation that laid down basic standards for working conditions and safety measures in factories.
1976: The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act - Prohibited all forms of bonded labor, safeguarding the rights and dignity of workers.
1984: The Bhopal Gas Tragedy - A turning point that led to stricter regulations and a greater emphasis on workplace safety and environmental protection.
2003: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code Bill - Aimed at consolidating and amending various labor laws related to workplace safety, health, and working conditions.
2013: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act - A crucial step towards creating a safe and inclusive work environment for women.
2020: The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code - A landmark legislation that streamlined and simplified various labor laws, including those related to workplace wellness.

Where We Stand Today

While the journey towards a healthier workforce has been remarkable, the current landscape presents a mix of challenges and opportunities. A recent report by MediBuddy and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) sheds light on some key trends:

Burnout is a Major Concern: A staggering 62% of Indian employees experience burnout, significantly higher than the global average of 20%. Work-related stress, remote work challenges, and poor work-life balance are the primary culprits.
Healthcare Costs are High: 71% of employees spend an average of 5% of their annual income on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, highlighting the need for more comprehensive employer-provided healthcare options.
Gaps in Wellness Programs: Despite the growing need, only 24% of employees are satisfied with their current workplace health options. There's a clear disconnect between employee needs and existing corporate wellness programs.
Wellness as a Recruitment Tool: 72% of job seekers consider employee wellness programs crucial in their decision-making process. Companies with robust wellness programs have a competitive edge in attracting and retaining talent.
Expanding Benefits: Progressive companies are now offering a wider range of wellness benefits, including mental health counseling, teleconsultations, and even coverage for dependents.

The Road Ahead - Challenges and Opportunities

While India has made significant progress in workplace wellness, several challenges persist. The informal sector, which employs a large portion of the workforce, still lacks adequate access to healthcare and social security benefits. Mental health stigma remains a significant hurdle, preventing many employees from seeking help and support.

However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and growth. The rise of technology, particularly in the field of digital health, offers new possibilities for delivering personalized and accessible wellness solutions. The increasing focus on preventive care and mental health awareness is also encouraging.

The Future of Workplace Wellness in India

The future of workplace wellness in India is bright. We can anticipate a greater emphasis on holistic well-being, with programs that address not just physical health but also mental, emotional, and financial well-being. Technology will play a pivotal role in delivering personalized wellness solutions and tracking progress.

Moreover, with the government's focus on initiatives like the National Mental Health Policy and the Ayushman Bharat scheme, we can expect greater access to healthcare and mental health support for all citizens, including the workforce.

Last Thoughts

As we celebrate India's 78th Independence Day, let's also celebrate the remarkable journey towards a healthier and happier workforce. It's a journey that reflects our nation's spirit of resilience, innovation, and progress.

The road ahead is filled with possibilities. By embracing a holistic approach to wellness, leveraging technology, and fostering a culture of support and inclusivity, we can create workplaces where employees thrive, not just survive. This is the true essence of freedom - the freedom to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life.