If you implemented a workplace wellness initiative within the last few months, you're probably itching to find out how effective it has been so far. You've got lots of questions, some of which can be answered with numbers, but many are more nuanced than that.
It's a good idea to start with the metrics you can easily calculate, such as usage rates and employee absenteeism, but don't stop there. You can gain a lot of insight by simply checking in with your employees. Here are a few telltale signs your program is making a positive impact on your team:
- Your employees are more energetic. One of the first things you might notice is that people may seem more awake or enthusiastic at work. A crucial component of health is getting adequate sleep, so it stands to reason that if your wellness program is working, among other improvements your staff will also be well-rested.
They could exhibit subtle changes like improved punctuality, attentiveness, or cordiality. They might also drink less coffee because they don't necessarily need the caffeine to concentrate any longer.
- Your staff is more productive. Because they have more energy, your employees are more likely to work quickly and efficiently. Instead of zoning out or leaving to grab that fourth coffee, they'll be more focused on their tasks. Some of the ways you could see this includes employees completing their tasks ahead of schedule and/or producing higher quality work.
- Improved collaboration and creativity. Another signal that your wellness program is making a positive difference is that your staff genuinely enjoys working as a team. Whereas in suboptimal environments meetings are often perceived as a chore, thriving employees are happy to brainstorm and problem-solve together.
- Your employees are more strongly engaged in the organization and their roles. Similar to the previous points, good health can contribute to overall employee satisfaction. Companies that offer solid wellness benefits often experience reduced turnover and improved employee engagement. People are less likely to quit when they feel valued by their employer and fulfilled by their jobs.
Make your wellness initiative a true success
One of the best ways to ensure the sustainability of your program is to simplify the process your employees must follow to access well-being resources. Innovative organizations around the world are digitizing their employee assistance programs to achieve this goal by providing staff 24/7 access to EAP materials through their corporate intranet or a secure third-party solution like LifeSpeak.
This way, employees can find training on an enormous range of topics - from fitness and nutrition to mental health, personal finance, and parenting and relationship advice - wherever and whenever they need to. These training sessions typically take the form of videos, podcasts, and tip sheets, and can be viewed on any computer, tablet, or mobile device.
Such digital wellness programs are gaining popularity because they have been proven to empower staff to address their life challenges and help them feel more engaged at work and at home. They also make it easier for HR teams to determine which resources are the most useful for employees. If you're looking to maximize the effectiveness of your corporate wellness program, a digital solution might be the answer.
