When it comes to workplace wellness, there are a number of different things that businesses can do to promote healthy lifestyles for employees. However, not all wellness programs are created equal.

To ensure that your company’s wellness program is as effective as possible, here are five best practices to follow:

1. Make it voluntary. One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to workplace wellness is that participation should always be voluntary. Forcing employees to take part in wellness activities or programs is not only ineffective, but it can also lead to resentment and burnout. If you want employees to be engaged and enthusiastic about your wellness program, make sure that it is something they can opt into rather than being forced to do.
2. Offer a variety of activities and programs. Another important best practice for workplace wellness programs is to offer a variety of activities and programs. This is important because not all employees will be interested in or motivated by the same types of activities. By offering a variety, you can ensure that there is something for everyone and that employees are more likely to find at least one or two activities that they enjoy and will want to participate in.
3. Set realistic goals. When it comes to setting goals for your workplace wellness program, it is important to make sure they are realistic. If employees feel like the goals are unattainable or unrealistic, they are less likely to be motivated to participate in the program. On the other hand, setting goals that are too easy can also be ineffective, as employees may not feel challenged and may lose interest. Finding the right balance is key to setting goals that will actually promote employee wellness.
4. Promote healthy lifestyle choices. This best practice goes hand-in-hand with setting realistic goals. If your workplace wellness program is only focused on weight loss or other physical goals, it is likely that employees will only see it as a temporary “diet” rather than a lasting lifestyle change. To promote healthy lifestyle choices that will last, make sure that your program focuses on developing healthy habits like eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
5. Evaluate and adjust as needed. Finally, it is important to periodically evaluate your workplace wellness program to see how it is working and to make adjustments as needed. This evaluation process can help you identify what is and isn’t working well and make changes accordingly. Additionally, by involving employees in the evaluation process, you can get valuable feedback that can help make your program even more effective.

Following these best practices can help you create a workplace wellness program that is more likely to be successful in promoting healthy lifestyles for all the employees.

‍