Table Of Contents
In this 3-part series we acknowledge the challenges faced by HR, provide good reasons for implementing a Wellness Program (big or small) and some useful ideas to start your own company Wellness Program today.
Introduction
Let's face it – in today's fast-paced work world, keeping our teams happy and healthy is more important than ever. Employee wellness programs aren't just nice-to-haves anymore; they're the secret sauce for a thriving workplace. And trust us, your employees (and your bottom line) will thank you for it!
Let's take a quick look at what's happening in workplaces across Australia:
15% of Aussie workers reported high or very high levels of psychological distress in 2020-21. (Australian Bureau of Statistics)
67% of Australian adults are overweight or obese, emphasising the need for workplace physical wellness initiatives. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
The Australian HR Institute's 2021 Turnover and Retention Report showed that companies with strong employee wellness programs reported up to 56% lower turnover rates
These statistics underscore the importance of wellness programs that may help various aspects of an employee's well-being. By investing in such initiatives, Australian businesses can not only improve the health and happiness of their workforce but also enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a more positive work environment.
Let's not forget also about the Workplace Health & Safety Legislation responsibilities and obligations.
Reasons why an Employee Wellness Program works!
A wellness program and related activities in the workplace offer numerous advantages:
Increased productivity and reduced absenteeism:
A 2023 report by the National Mental Health Commission found that workplace mental health initiatives can reduce absenteeism by up to 30% in Australian workplaces.
The same report indicated that for every dollar spent on mental health initiatives, there's an average return on investment of $4.
Mental Health and Presenteeism affects your business:
A BeyondBlue/PwC Report indicated that untreated mental health conditions cost Australian workplaces $10.9 billion per year — $4.7 billion in absenteeism, $6.1 billion in presenteeism and $146 million in compensation claims.
Improved employee health and reduced healthcare costs:
A 2022 study by KPMG Australia revealed that effective workplace health programs can lead to a 25-30% reduction in healthcare costs and health-related productivity losses.
Enhanced employee engagement and job satisfaction:
The 2022 Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI) found that since 2019 workers’ individual levels of Positive Emotions, Meaning and Physical Health have significantly declined. Only 39.1% of workers said their work was valuable and worthwhile, versus 47% in 2021, and 52.9% in 2020.
Strengthened team bonding and company culture:
According to this article by Deloitte, employers providing comprehensive wellbeing resources and programs experienced an 11% lower turnover compared to those with minimal wellbeing practices.
Reduced stress and improved work-life balance:
The 2023 State of the Nation in Workforce Mental Health report by SuperFriend indicated a 41% reduction in work-related stress among employees in companies with comprehensive wellness programs.
The 5 Pillars of Employee Wellbeing
Wellness isn't just about doing yoga at lunch (though that's great too!), it's about looking after the whole person. We're talking:
Mental Wellness
Physical Health (Part 2 of 3)
Emotional Wellbeing (Part 2 of 3)
Social Connections (Part 3 of 3)
Financial Wellbeing (Part 3 of 3)
Each of these pillars plays a crucial role in an employee's overall well-being and job performance. By addressing all five areas, employers can create a holistic approach to wellness that supports them, their team members, and extends to their family and friends network and in all aspects of their lives.
In this 3-part series, we will first explore Mental Wellness and provide some ideas and activities. The other 4 pillars will be discussed in parts 2 and part 3 of this series.
Boosting Mental Wellness in the Workplace
Mental wellness has become a cornerstone of employee wellbeing and organisational success. As HR professionals, it's crucial to implement strategies that support and enhance the mental health of your team. Let's explore some effective activities and initiatives to promote mental well-being in your workplace.
1. Guided Meditation: Finding Zen in the Workplace
Introducing regular guided meditation sessions can significantly reduce stress and improve focus among employees. It's not just for hippies anymore – major corporations worldwide are embracing this practice!
Implementation Tips:
Encourage employee to schedule twice a day (eg before work and at lunch) a short 10-15 minute session to start the day on a positive note or to step away, regroup and reengage.
Utilise apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm for guided sessions.
You may want to consider subsidising the cost of an annual subscription. My personal favourite and one I use EVERY night is Insight Timer (Dujon)!
Consider training an in-house meditation guide for a more personalised approach.
Invite via a webinar a third party to deliver a Mediation session twice a week. This could be sponsored by your company Health Benefits Plan or EAP provider.
2. Mindfulness via Onsite Yoga Sessions
Yoga combines physical postures with breathing exercises and meditation, offering a holistic approach to mental wellness.
Benefits:
Reduces stress and anxiety
Improves concentration and decision-making skills
Enhances overall employee satisfaction
Implementation Tip:
Partner with local yoga instructors to offer weekly or bi-weekly classes in a dedicated space or conference room.
Similar to a guided mediation, conduct regular webinar based Yoga sessions. This is in particular good for employees working remotley.
Resource: Check out our blog posts on how Yoga can boost productivity at your workplace and how to implement a Corporate Yoga Program for more insights on integrating mindfulness practices.
3. Group Sound Meditation: A Unique Approach to Relaxation
Sound meditation, also known as sound baths, uses soothing, resonant sounds to promote deep relaxation and mental clarity.
How it works:
Utilises instruments like singing bowls, gongs, or tuning forks
Participants listen passively, allowing the sounds to wash over them
Resource: Explore platforms like SoundWell for virtual sound meditation experiences that can be easily integrated into the workplace.
4. Onsite Workshops for Managers
Equipping managers with mental health awareness and support skills is crucial for fostering a mentally healthy workplace.
Workshop Topics:
Recognising signs of mental distress
Having supportive conversations about mental health
Creating a stigma-free work environment
Implementation Tip: Consider partnering with organisations like Beyond Blue for tailored workplace mental health training.
5. Inspirational Guest Speakers
While potentially expensive, bringing in guest speakers can be a powerful way to address specific mental health topics and inspire your team.
Benefits:
Provides fresh perspectives and expert insights
Creates a shared experience for employees
Demonstrates company commitment to mental health
Cost-Effective Alternative: Consider virtual speaking engagements or webinars to reduce costs while still providing valuable content.
Resource Tip: Utilise your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or Health Insurance Partner for cost-effective options.
Similar to Mediation and Yoga initiative, ask you Health Benefits Plan, EAP provider or your Benefit Vendors the opportunity to sponsor this initiative.
6. Add participation incentives
While the subject matter itself should ideally motivate employees to participate in wellness events, research consistently shows that offering incentives significantly boosts attendance and engagement.
Here's what the data tells us:
A longitudinal study by the University of Sydney found that wellness programs with consistent incentive structures maintained a 40% higher participation rate over a three-year period compared to programs without incentives.
Incentive Ideas:
Offer a draw to win a $100 Woolworths gift card for attending
Woolworths/Coles/Rebel Sports etc are great for everyday items and expenses.
Provide "wellness points" that can be redeemed for time off or other perks
These incentives tap into both the immediate gratification (gift card draws) and long-term motivation (wellness points) that research has shown to be effective in boosting participation rates.
7. Innovative Approach: Thrive via Vitality Works
Highlighting the innovative "Thrive" program by Vitality Works, offers a comprehensive approach to mental wellness:
Features:
Unlimited therapy access for employees
Digital mental health platform
Personalised wellness plans
Data-driven insights for employers
Learn More: Visit Vitality Works Thrive for detailed information on implementing this program in your workplace.
Special Note for Australian Companies
With the introduction of new Workplace Health and Safety Legislation, particularly around Corporate Responsibilities, it's crucial for HR professionals to stay informed about their obligations regarding mental health in the workplace.
Essential Resource: Familiarise yourself with the guidelines provided by Safe Work Australia to ensure your mental wellness initiatives align with current regulations.
Conclusion: Your Turn to Shape the Future of Workplace Wellness
We've explored a wealth of creative and effective mental wellness initiatives that can transform your workplace into a haven of productivity and positivity. From guided meditation sessions to innovative sound baths, and from manager workshops to inspiring guest speakers, the possibilities are endless.
But here's the thing: the most successful wellness programs are those that resonate with the unique needs and culture of each workplace. That's where you come in!
Share Your Wellness Wisdom!
We're eager to hear about your experiences and ideas. Your insights could be the spark that ignites positive change in workplaces across Australia.
Here's our question for you:
"What mental wellness initiative has made the biggest impact in your workplace, and why?"
Maybe it was a meditation app that changed the game, or perhaps a team-building activity that brought everyone closer. Whatever it is, big or small, we want to hear about it!
Exciting Giveaway Alert
One lucky commenter will win a yearly subscription (valued up to $100) to the Insight Timer app!
This premium meditation app could be your next game-changer for workplace wellness. We'll randomly select a winner from all the comments received.
Note: This giveaway closes on November 1st, 2024 and is applicable only to Australian residents.
Don't keep your wellness wins to yourself – share them below and be part of the movement to create healthier, happier workplaces across Australia. Your comment could be the advice another HR professional has been searching for, and it might just win you a year of guided meditation!
Ready, set, share! 👇 Let's start a wellness revolution, one comment at a time!