While employee wellness may seem like another trendy buzzword, it’s actually a crucial concept to help employees feel healthy and productive at work. Research shows that disengaged employees cost the U.S. economy around $350 billion a year in lost productivity, or roughly $2,246 per disengaged employee. Employees don’t feel cared for, and they’re struggling to perform as a result. 

To make sure their teams are well-equipped to handle the stresses of today’s rapidly changing world, employers should consider a holistic approach that centers around four the four pillars of employee wellness: physical, emotional, financial, and social wellness. 

 Physical Wellness 

Physical wellness is all about how employers can support an employee’s ability to exercise, eat well, and stay physically healthy. It’s no surprise that healthcare and finances related to healthcare are common causes of stress, which can then have an adverse effect on cognitive and emotional wellbeing. To help their employees thrive, employers can provide a variety of employee benefits such as healthcare. A J5 consultant is ready to help you develop a comprehensive employee benefits plan that suits your business’s needs specifically. 

 Emotional Wellness 

While there’s still some stigma surrounding mental health in the workplace, it’s important for employees to know that their companies have their backs. To promote emotional wellness, companies can start by allowing employees to take mental health days when needed and establishing a culture where talking about feelings is normal.  

Additionally, they can give their employees access to mental health professionals at reduced rates with a comprehensive employee benefits program. By removing helping with the financial burden from this pillar of wellness, employers incentivize employees to take care of their mental health both in and out of work. 

 Financial Wellness 

It’s true that money can’t buy happiness, but proper financial assistance does help employees live comfortably and afford the necessities in life.  

The impact of money worries is felt across all other pillars of wellness because they can lead to anxiety and stress, cause unhealthy habits, negatively impact performance at work, and even trigger physical reactions like headaches and fatigue. 

There’s a strong point to be made that employee benefits are more financially beneficial for employees than higher pay, as they can protect employees against major health issues that could bankrupt them. Employees also appreciate when their employers take the task of finding good health insurance off their plates, which can improve productivity and company loyalty. 

 Social Wellness 

Lastly, the social pillar of wellness looks at an employee’s sense of community and their ability to connect with others in the workplace. Especially as many people began working remotely during the pandemic, this is one area where businesses can step up and continue to offer support to their teams. They can do this by creating a friendly, open atmosphere in the workplace where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. 

Socializing in the workplace has been shown to improve productivity and encourage brainstorming new methods of operation. When employees have the opportunity to collaborate, they often come up with innovative new ways to do their jobs. 

 Are you ready to give your employees the support that they need to be more productive and content in their position? Speak with a J5 Consulting agent today and learn about how you can support your employees.