Corporate wellness programs have become a must-have when attracting and retaining employees. The 2018 Global Talent Survey found that one in two employees would like to see a greater focus on well-being at their company. This includes an emphasis on physical, psychological, and financial wellness.
The report identified three factors that employees and job candidates are looking for in a company, including workplace flexibility, a commitment to health and wellness, and working with a purpose. Establishing a program that takes a holistic approach to wellness, aligned with corporate mission and values, ensures that the focus is on the whole person rather than on fragmented pieces without cohesion.
Establishing a wellness committee can be a great way to not only involve team members in the process of developing a wellness program, but it can also increase team member engagement and improve company culture. Committee members feel empowered to voice their ideas, and they also become program ambassadors, which in turn encourages more team members to participate. It becomes a genuine team member initiative, rather than just another corporate program.
At Delta Dental of Colorado, our wellness program supports important preventive initiatives because we know the key role that prevention plays in oral and overall health. Our wellness committee is made up of individuals from across the organization and supports a range of activities including:
- Wellness walks four days a week, six months of the year.
- Weekly fresh fruit delivery.
- Health coaching.
- 15-minute chair massages offered weekly.
- Onsite biometric screenings.
- Financial training tools.
- Company-sponsored runs, walks, and rides.
Being able and ready to take feedback, is also a key component of a wellness program. To be successful, employee wellness programs should be customized and include a wide variety of initiatives. How do you find out what works best for your team? Take an active part in listening to their wants and needs. Quarterly and yearly surveys can help establish a baseline of components that are desirable for your company culture and team demographic.
The 2018 Global Talent Trends study found that 51% of employees wish their company offered more flexible work options. As the demand for flexible work environments also continues to grow, Delta Dental of Colorado is committed to providing workplace flexibility to our team members. Workplace flexibility offers a win-win for team members and employers, with the possibility of an increase in team member satisfaction and retention along with the opportunity for work-life balance.
Corporate wellness initiatives promote healthy habits, but they also demonstrate the commitment of the employer to the well-being of their team members. By creating a culture of wellness and offering team members choice and an easily customizable program to fit their lifestyle, employers provide the foundational support necessary for each individual to take their health and wellness journey into their own hands while feeling encouraged and motivated along the way.
To read more stories and learn more about the connection between oral and overall health, visit www.deltadentalco.com/wordofmouth.aspx.
Delta Dental of Colorado is the state's leading dental benefits company and the only one based in Colorado. We provide our more than 1.3 million members with local customer service backed by a national network of dental providers. We are a nonprofit company with a mission to improve oral health in Colorado.