The

 

return

 

on

 

investment

 

(ROI)

 

of

 

happier

 

employees

The workplace culture has evolved significantly from the harsh conditions of the past. Today, workers benefit from job security, paid time off, and reasonable working hours, writes Eda Gungor, Co-Founder of SEVA Experience.

However, recent studies show that over 50 percent of executives in the UAE are contemplating quitting due to stress and poor mental health, indicating that employers need to prioritise employee wellbeing in the fast-paced and demanding work environment. 

The backbones of every business

In 2023, it’s high time to adopt a holistic approach: every part of your business should be treated as equally important, and your employees’ wellbeing shouldn’t be overseen any longer. The bottom line is, your employees are the business. Even if they don’t work in customer-facing positions, they are the ones that carry your business forward, and that has not only a practical but also an energetical impact on your whole organization. In summary, investing in your employees is investing in your business.

Implementing a corporate wellness program in your organisation will not only increase your employees’ happiness levels, but also decrease absenteeism, boost creativity and productivity, and increase loyalty toward your company. 

360° Wellness 

Wellness is often associated with cliched concepts such as spa treatments or sports, but its true definition lies in its rich history rooted in ancient civilisations from India, China, Rome, and Greece, where it was viewed as a holistic approach to preventive health. The 19th century saw the development of modern wellness through intellectual, religious, and medical movements in Europe and the US that emphasised natural methods of self-healing and preventive care.

Wellness, in this sense, is the proactive pursuit of healthy choices, activities, and lifestyles that promote overall wellbeing, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional health. It is not a static state but requires intentional effort and action. Adopting a holistic view of wellness acknowledges the interdependence of multiple dimensions of health in achieving overall wellbeing.

Key Aspects of Corporate Wellness

Movement 

Physical activity and nutrition are key components of corporate wellness. Yoga, for instance, can offer numerous benefits for employees and the company. Regular yoga practice improves flexibility, and posture, and reduces stress while elevating beneficial neurochemicals such as endorphins and GABA, helping combat anxiety. This mindful physical activity addresses multiple facets of wellness, including physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, with the final Shavasana meditation promoting inner peace.

Nutrition

Nutrition also plays a crucial role in overall health. Encouraging healthy eating habits through educational resources, coaching sessions with a nutritionist, and providing healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, unsalted nuts, and whole grain crackers, as well as offering nutritious cafeteria options, can help employees make informed food choices and adopt healthier habits.

Mindful Workshops

Incorporating conscious workshops into a corporate wellness program can address the social and emotional aspects of wellness. These workshops provide a platform for employees to connect with others in a meaningful way and express their feelings, promoting overall wellbeing. There is a vast offering of mindful workshops around holistic practices out there to discover.

Coaching Sessions

Providing sessions for your employees with a skilled holistic coach can greatly enhance your employees’ social abilities, such as becoming a conscious leader or improving team dynamics. Coaching sessions will also allow your employees to work on their self-esteem and overall sense of self-worth. The coach can provide guidance and support, help employees’ growth mindset, and encourage them to embrace challenges and continuously grow and develop, both personally and professionally.

Meditation

Last but not least: meditation. The benefits of meditation are extensive and far-reaching. Meditation has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression and improving cognitive function and focus. On the physical health front, meditation has been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, and improved sleep quality. It also can enhance the immune system and promote overall physical wellbeing. In addition to these tangible benefits, meditation also improves spiritual health by promoting inner peace, self-awareness, and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself. Regular meditation practice can help employees find a sense of calm and balance in their lives, allowing them to approach their work with a clearer and more centred mind.

In conclusion, investing in a comprehensive corporate wellness program that encompasses physical activity, nutrition, and mindfulness initiatives is a strategic decision that will deliver significant returns on investment through your employees’ happiness.