Employers that want to attract, develop, and retain talented employees offer health and wellness options as part of their benefits package. In the last dozen years of my career, every company I have worked for has provided this type of program in one way, shape, or form. Not all employers offer every item on this list, but some options are unique:
Employee Assistance Program
Having an Employee Assistance Program is not a new incentive, but it has been widely underutilized historically. However, since COVID, I sense that a lot more people have taken advantage of programs like this. While people were locked down, mental wellness took a big hit, and many people needed help dealing with solitude and isolation. EAPs are typically anonymous – your employer won’t know that you used their services. So, if you feel like you need help – reach out and ask for it.
Fitness incentives
Guess what? Employers like it when their employees are healthy. Why? For many reasons, such as lower insurance costs, fewer sick days taken, better productivity, less likelihood of severe health problems, etc. Many employers invest a lot in ensuring their employees have opportunities to participate in fitness. Some have apps that you can earn rewards for when you work out, and some companies flat-out pay you to work out. If you’re missing out on any of these perks, review your company’s benefits package – you might be surprised what you find.
Wellness programs
Most companies also offer various types of wellness programs. Some programs involve competitions within the company; others have walking groups; my current company has “Wellness Wednesday, ” which may include yoga, meditation, or other wellness activities. My previous employer also posted newsletters from our health insurance company, which covered various aspects of health to keep people informed and healthy.
In-office gym, gym membership, or gym reimbursement
Larger organizations with modern facilities often provide on-site gyms. One of my former clients had a gym twice the size of my local Planet Fitness. They had a full spectrum of equipment and offered classes. The gym was complete with a locker and shower room for the employees. Other companies will reimburse you for your gym membership or pay the gym directly. My next company will pay for half of a piece of workout equipment up to a certain amount. I can’t wait to get the piece of equipment I’ve been putting off for years (a treadmill).
Virtual health options
Before COVID, some companies offered virtual health appointments for common ailments. The pandemic put this offering into overdrive, as people wanted to get medical advice but didn’t want to see someone in-person. Many organizations had to scramble to provide this offering, which is now considered standard. If you have an ailment that you used to go to your doctor for, in many cases, you can now talk to a healthcare provider, get a diagnosis, and treatment (including prescription medications). It’s a convenient option, and now it’s an employee expectation.
Annual health assessments
Companies that want to lower their healthcare costs while also supporting the health of their employees offer annual health assessments. An assessment typically includes a personal health survey, blood draw, weight check, measurement of your waist circumference, blood pressure, and heart rate. Employees who participate can get personal recommendations to improve their health based on their current lifestyle, habits, and circumstances. If you are at higher risk for certain health conditions, you can get educated on what changes you need to make to avoid developing more severe conditions. Hosting these assessments also allows employers to look across their staff to identify any problems or trends that need attention.
Access to personal trainers
If your organization doesn’t have a gym, they might contract with a personal trainer that can be available to you as an employee. Personal trainers are usually certified, so they are well-trained and knowledgeable. The trainer can assess your current exercise routine and help you plan your activities based on your goals.
Provide step-tracking devices
Have you been dying to get a fitness tracker but haven’t bought one yet? If so, you might be able to get one from your employer. I was an early adopter of this technology and have gone through many different versions of Fitbit‘s trackers. If you can get your company to provide one for you, you should use this great benefit. Basic fitness tracking devices track your steps, heart rate, and sleep cycles (and some do much more than that).
Don’t mandate vaccines
I know that this subject is a bit controversial, but with the talent market so tight right now, you don’t want to instantly reject a large percentage of the population because they’re not vaccinated. Organizations that don’t want to alienate their staff may wish to avoid pushing a COVID vaccine mandate. I have seen some appealing job opportunities, but there was a disclaimer that you must be fully vaccinated to be employed with the company at the end of the description. No, thank you – I’ll pass on that.
Office health and safety protocols
Some organizations want to re-open their offices but ask for certain precautions or attestations to ensure the health of their employees (while lowering their risk of any liability). People may be required to reserve a desk or office space, wear masks, practice social distancing, and regularly sanitize (especially if not vaccinated). Having protocols in place helps everyone who wants to return to the office remain healthy.
Final Thoughts
Invested employers help their employees to be healthier. There are benefits for both the employer and the employee. If your company offers any of these incentives and you’re not taking advantage of them, you should check out your company’s benefits. You may be missing out on great opportunities to improve your health.
If you missed the first few blogs in this series on Innovative Employee Incentives in the age of COVID, check them out now:
- Innovative Employee Incentives in the age of COVID
- Incentive #1: Work Environment
- Incentive #2: Workspace & Tools
- Incentive #3: Work Schedule
Now, how about you? Does your employer offer health and wellness options? If so, do you participate in any of them, and what are they? If not, would you be more likely to take a new job with a company that has offerings like this? Please let me know in the comments below!