11 Overlooked Workplace Wellness Strategies

The phrase “workplace wellness” is bandied about in boardrooms, benefits packages and end-of-year organizational reports like it’s going out of style. But what does it really mean to have a successful workplace wellness program that actually works for your employees—and your organization?

If you ask any human resources professional, they’ll tell you that’s the million-dollar question. Literally. Studies have shown that organizations with successful workplace wellness programs save up to 24% on average on employee healthcare costs. To put that into perspective, U.S. healthcare spending reached a total of $4.1 trillion in 2020—approximately $12,530 per person.

With employers footing the bill for a majority of health insurance costs, any sign of savings is a welcomed sight. But changes for a healthier workplace don’t have to cost your organization an arm and a leg. That’s why we compiled a list of 11 strategies that often get overlooked when it comes to improving workplace wellness.

1. Offering improved caregiver and parental leave support

Offering extended parental leave and flexible childcare options can be a tremendous boon to employee productivity and mitigating absenteeism. In fact, employers that fail to meet the needs of caregiving employees can see reduced company productivity due to increased absenteeism, workday interruptions and unpaid leave, resulting in an annual average loss of $3.4 billion, $2.8 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively.

2. Providing ergonomic furniture and desking

When employees have ergonomic furniture options, it can be a net positive for their productivity and their overall well-being. Whether it’s providing sit-stand desks, improved chair options or an educational session on the importance of ergonomics and posture, the benefits of creating a comfortable, safe workstation can make a huge impact for employees.

3. Adding access to nature and greenery in the office

Access to nature and greenery has been associated with lower blood pressure, decreased rates of depression and anxiety and improved psychological well-being for employees (just to name a few). Creating a space emphasizing biophilic design and natural elements can create a working environment that helps employees thrive.

4. Using anti-glare windows

There’s nothing more distracting than catching glare from the windows while you’re trying to focus. Believe it or not, glare has been associated with a host of health issues that range from visual discomfort and eye fatigue to headaches and migraines. Using anti-glare strategies throughout your workspace can improve the employee experience and help them stay focused throughout the day.

5. Enhancing circadian lighting cycles

Speaking of lighting, it’s hard to understate the impact of proper lighting solutions on employee performance and well-being. Implementing circadian lighting strategies that mimic day and night cycles for employees can help them maintain healthy sleep habits, so they feel fresh and ready to work each day.

6. Subsidizing physical activity wearables—with goals attached

We all know physical activity is central to a healthier, happier lifestyle. And with the advent of wearables and smartwatches, it’s easier than ever to get your employees committed to a plan of action. Many organizations offer discounts on wearable devices and challenge their employees to commit to and track their health goals through incentive-based programs.

7. Offering sleep support to employees

Did you know that over 30% of employed U.S. adults reported an average sleep duration of six hours or less per day? And that risk rises to 44% among night-shift workers. Consider supporting your employees’ sleep health by offering educational sleep training programs or even including flexible spaces for napping.

8. Creating quiet zones for concentration

When noise from internal or external sources is increased in the workspace, employees have been found to be easily distracted, less productive and susceptible to burnout. To mitigate these issues, consider a process called sound mapping. This helps you identify parts of your office where noise may be an issue, so you can plan accordingly. We recommend creating quiet zones to bolster concentration and using sound-dampening materials that can help fight against reverberation and external noises.

9. Supplying substance use services

Unsurprisingly, alcohol and drug use can seriously impact employee performance, well-being and overall health. By providing education and access to substance use services, you can help employees overcome issues they may be facing in their personal lives and help them stay on track with their careers. Consider adding substance use programming as part of your benefits package.

10. Encouraging civic engagement and volunteer opportunities

For most employees, it’s critical that they know your business is about more than just turning a profit. Giving back to your community can be a great way to foster goodwill among your teams and extend your impact into the neighborhoods you serve. Provide employees with VTO—volunteer time off—and encourage them to participate in civic engagement activities or company-sponsored volunteer opportunities.

11. Detailing nutritional education

Diet is a key component of any healthy lifestyle, but knowing how to find and choose nutritious foods isn’t always the easiest call. Help your employees understand the importance of their dietary choices by providing nutritional education programming. Consider bringing in a dietician to run a class or give your employees literature they can review as they commit to their new, healthy diets.

Bring your workplace wellness program to life with the WELL AP credential

Earning the WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) credential will help you master these strategies—and more—to create a successful workplace wellness program at your organization. WELL APs are experts in implementing health and well-being strategies found throughout the internationally recognized WELL Building Standard. For HR professionals, the expertise gained by becoming a WELL AP will allow you to identify the solutions and policy updates that can make a positive impact for your people—and your organization’s bottom line.

If you’re interested in promoting a successful workplace wellness program at your place of business, consider becoming the health and well-being expert your team needs. Consider the WELL AP credential.

To learn more, check out all the WELL AP has to offer.