101 Latest Employee Wellness Program Ideas To Create A Happy Workplace
Your employees are the prime assets of the organization. A healthy workplace nurtures healthy behaviors among employees. Employers and employees must work together to make health and fitness a part of their company lifestyle.
Providing a healthy workspace where employees feel productive and safe is your responsibility.
As we talk about health, the inclusion of the eight dimensions of workplace wellness becomes essential. Before 2021, people have been focussing more on physical fitness. With increased cases of workplace stress and burnout, mental health becomes an important factor.
Are you working enough to improve wellness in the workplace?
Suppose you're just getting started with employee health. Then you're at the right place as we discuss the best employee wellness program ideas that make a happy workplace.
- What Is The Employee Wellness Program
- 101 Employee Wellness Program Ideas That Work Wonders
- Fun Health And Fitness Ideas
- Virtual Wellness Ideas
- Campaign And Challenges
- Food And Nutrition
- Stress Management Motivation And Support
- Team Building Activities
- Growth Hack And Personal Development
- Breaks And Retreats
- Other Cool Wellness And Perks
- Conclusion
What is the Employee Wellness Program?
Employee wellbeing is an essential factor in the workplace. According to Inc, businesses can expect an average ROI of $5.81 for every $1 spent on employee wellness.
An employee wellness program is more than a corporate wellness program. Apart from improving employee health, these programs serve some specific purpose like:
- Improve employee engagement
- Decrease absenteeism
- Improve employee retention
- Improve employee morale
- Breaks monotony
- Reduce employee healthcare cost
- Increases flexibility
- Keeps your employees motivated and productive
- Assured ROI
- Improves work-life balance
Related: Top 10 Benefits Of An Employee Wellness Program
101 Employee Wellness Program Ideas That Work Wonders
Creating an efficient wellness program requires creativity and excellent strategies. Mere shout-out for health or pep talk on wellness benefits might fail to pump up your stressed employees. You have to be consistent and put effort into grabbing their commitments.
Allow space to engage in initiatives as you continue to follow the wellness plan.
Below are the nine best employee wellness program ideas you could ever surf on the internet.
Categories
- Food And Nutrition
- Fun Health And Fitness Services
- Stress Management And Support
- Team Building Activities
- Breaks And Retreats
- Growth Hack and Personal Development
- Campaign and Challenges
- Virtual Wellness
- Other Cool Wellness Perks
We assure you that your employees will be thankful for helping them take baby steps in achieving health goals.
Related: 6 Employee Health Goals You Must Plan For 2021
Fun Health And Fitness Ideas
All progress takes place outside the comfort zone. — Michael John Bobak
Fit and healthy employees are less likely to get sick. They use less sick leaves, impacting productivity.
1. Onsite Yoga Sessions
Photo by Erik Brolin / Unsplash
Try to improve your employee's mood and cheer them up for the day. One way to help your employees cope with emotional stress is by offering a corporate yoga class. It enhances work performance and creativity that is essential for company growth.
Ways To Do It:
- Built A Separate Yoga Room
Having an in-house exercise or relaxing room helps your employees save time. You can provide the necessary equipment to make their yoga enriching.
-
Try to decorate your yoga room with quotes and symbols to bring back the vibe.
-
Hire A Professional Yoga Instructor
A professional yoga instructor helps your employees practice the proper posture of yoga. They ensure that your employees achieve ultimate wellness goals.
- Create A Corporate Yoga Program
A company wellness idea is incomplete without a wellness plan. And what can best suit the purpose of a wellness program? A holistic yoga program. Infact a fun and relaxing yoga session maximizes employee wellness participation.
2. Super Fun 2- Minute Stretch Out Exercise
These days all our work has shifted online. Your employees have to work for prolonged hours in front of their laptops without a break. It may result in a stiff neck with soreness at the back, causing discomfort throughout the day.
Help them with some 2-minute stretches that are rejuvenating and fun.
Ways To Do It:
- Reverse Back Stretch
Stand up straight and stretch backward. Keep your palms on your pelvis, lean back. Hold it for 10 seconds and repeat. You can also spread your legs for proper balance.
- Neck Stretch
Stretch your neck to release the tension. It relaxes your head, shoulder, and neck. Move your neck sideways, holding it each for 30 seconds. Repeat twice.
- Standing Arm String Stretch
Stand on one leg and stretch the other with the help of a stool. Try to do with the other leg.
3. Fun Workout Routine Posters
Attract your employees with eye-catching workout posters and pictures. It's important to show them visuals for greater effectiveness and engagement.
These workout posters can help as a reminder or motivation. It helps your employees to focus on wellness over guilty pleasures.
Ways To Do It:
- Hang or paste a workout poster in a place where it is noticeable.
- You can include some wellness quotes by celebrities.
- Buy better quality posters from Amazon or other stationary websites.
- Download and print a workout image for your workplace gym.
Download A Free HD Office Workout Poster
4. Invest In Workplace Ergonomics
Employers must guide their employees to practice ergonomics. Ignoring such issues can lead to musculoskeletal disorders(MSD).
Ways To Do It:
- Workplace Ergonomics Program
A research by CIEHF found that 87% of employees benefited because of the workplace ergonomics program.
They help in strengthening and shaping every significant muscle group.
- Invest in ergonomic furniture
Furniture plays a vital role for employees. As they are the ones who spent most of their time within their workstation. For example,
- An ergonomic chair should provide
- Lumbar support
- Armrests and footrests with an adjustable height system.
Related: Workplace Ergonomics: Benefits And Ways To Improve It
5. Flu Shot Programs
Workplace flu vaccinations are the best investment for businesses. Annual flu vaccinations help companies stay protected against any possible viruses.
Ways To Do It:
- Arrange A Clinic
Consider offering free onsite flu vaccinations at your business locations if your business cannot provide onsite flu vaccine clinics. Encourage employees to seek flu vaccination in the community.
- Create an influenza illness and prevention policy
Flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will likely spread this fall and winter. Taking precautions and spreading awareness is critical. It helps to protect yourself and your employees from coronavirus at work. Create strict prevention policies and offer necessary resources to avoid getting into contact.
- Promote Your Flu Shot Program
Help employees understand why they should take part and get a flu shot program. Try to be comprehensive while explaining this. Assure that you explain the possible dangers of the flu and why it is serious. Promote the convenience and ease of getting a flu shot at work.
Use different methods and outlets to raise awareness of the clinic. One way to do this is:
- Company newsletters,
- Email blasts,
- Flyers,
- Handouts, and
- An update on the company's website.
- Take advantage of every free resource available
6. Incredible Health And Wellness Vision Board
Health and wellness vision boards help establish employee accountability. It keeps them on track with their wellness goals.
Ways To Do It:
- Gather Health Information
Devise a strategy on which theme you want your employees to work out. Collect necessary information. Cut out images from magazines or newspapers for a more significant visual effect.
If magazines do not suffice your requirements, you can Goggle out images. Take a printout of things you'd like to post on your board. You can also use your pictures to add that personal touch.
- Create A Catchy Message
Draw or print some catchy headlines and paste it around your office for greater visibility.
Related: 30 Health and Wellness Quotes to Inspire Wellness at the Workplace
- Make It Realistic
Ensure your employees reflect on your vision board. Be serious about how your health goals will help them achieve desired results. Try to measure their daily progress by making a list of things they start doing in the next day, week, and month. It helps to get you in alignment with making your vision a reality.
There isn't an ideal way to decorate your vision board. Ask your employees to collaborate their ideas while designing them.
There's isn't an ideal way to decorate your vision board; ask your employees to collaborate their ideas
7. Organize A Spectacular Health Fair
It is an excellent way to launch your latest wellness initiatives. Raise awareness about health issues, and gain your employees' trust. Show that you care about their wellbeing.
Related: Employee Health Fair Ideas To Make Your Event A Great One
Ways To Do It:
- Think Out Of The Box
Don't let your employees wait and get bored while queuing for a sign-up or toll booth. You can set up video screens or hire some massage therapists for hand massages. You can also set up a photo booth with funny props for greater engagement.
Also Read: Benefits of Corporate Massage Therapy on Employee Health
- Get Your Local Vendor and Sponsors Onboard
Sponsor your health fair with excellent services by:
- Health insurance companies
- Local gyms
- Ask Local health vendors to work for you
It will save your extra efforts in promoting and engaging your employees.
- Incentivize With Wellness Goodies
What more can attract your employees than a wellness bonanza?
Offer wellness rebates with exciting discounts. You can offer wellness products like yoga mats, water bottles, and swags.
Pick a wellness theme to market your health fair. It helps employees focus on the kinds of activities and sponsors they want to include. For example, Fitness Rockers, Health Is Wealth.
Related: 7 Wellness Incentive Ideas To Boost Your Corporate Programs
8. Walk And Talk Meetings
You can interact with your employees with fun walks and talk meetings. It is the best way to make your employees move out of their usual comfort zone.
Ways To Do It:
- Give Prior Notice of the Walking Meeting to the Attendees
It is always courteous to inform everyone so that they prepare beforehand. This way, they can plan for it and carry anything necessary items that they may need.
- Stick to small groups
Please keep the number of people in the meeting to four to get the most of it. You can also opt to pair up attendees to make the discussion more productive. Encourage everyone to take part.
- Prepare an Agenda for your Walking Meeting
Like all other work meetings, prior preparation is essential. An agenda acts as a guide where you make plans to go through during the session.
9. Promote Corporate Wellness Apps
Corporate wellness app equips organizations with tools and the latest technology. It helps in organizing, managing, and administering wellness programs.
It motivates employees to establish and maintain healthy lifestyle choices.
Offer Vantage Fit, a mobile-first corporate wellness app. It helps in boosting your employee's physical activity.
10. Standing Desks
They help you shift your position after a regular interval of time. It reduces prolonged sitting's side effects. Introducing standing desks in your workplace can help the employees end back pain.
Ways To Do It:
- Buy From Ikea or Amazon
You can buy a classy standing desk for $50 from Amazon. Choose one that matches your employee's comfortability.
- Make A DIY Standing Desk
It saves your budget without missing the wellness benefit.
11. Invest In Desks Bikes
Modern offices and workplaces have come a long way in recent years. After embracing ergonomic furniture, bike desks are in new wellness trends.
- It is fun and benefits employees health in three ways
- It utilizes lots of energy
- It tones your calf muscles.
- It enhances mood and productivity.
12. Onsite Zumba Activities
Photo by Danielle Cerullo / Unsplash
Zumba helps in toning body structure and reduces the pressure on joints as well. It is the perfect way to get your workforce in shape.
Ways To Do It:
- Online Zumba Fitness Session
- Subscription to Zumba Class
- Host Zumba Session At The Office
13. Offer Fitness Testing
In some industries, such as construction, medical fitness testing is essential for employees.
Ways To Do It:
- Employee Fitness Assessments
- Tie Up With Certified Fitness Organizations
14. Encourage Isometric Exercises
Isometric exercise is a simple and easy way to build
- Strength,
- Endurance, and
- Healthy muscles
These exercises need zero equipment. You can perform in the gym, at home, at work, or on the road to progress toward your fitness goals.
Ways To Do It:
- Start with a 7 – 10 second hold.
- Perform isometric lunges, squats, and push-ups.
Virtual Wellness Ideas
The clock is ticking. Are you becoming the person you want to be? — Greg Plitt
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has crippled the usual world order. Several countries are now under a state of lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus. And this has led many businesses to adopt work from home policy. It keeps their employees safe and workflow intact.
Employers are trying hard to keep their employees active and productive. Even while they are working from home, here are some wellness program ideas for remote employees.
15. Offer Virtual Fitness Classes
Virtual activities allow you to follow a sweat session at your comfort and time. It will enable fitness freaks to exercise at any time of the day.
Ways To Do It:
- Use Video Calling Features To Host A Fitness session
Companies have been offering virtual fitness classes for remote employees. You can conduct such sessions through Zoom or Google Meet.
- Classes Through Wellness Apps
Various fitness companies offer virtual exercise sessions over their apps. You can offer subscriptions to your employees so that they are as healthy and fit while at home.
- Youtube Videos
You can refer to various online resources to gain knowledge about fitness. One such way is through Youtube. Encourage your employees to follow good fitness experts and maintain their health.
16. One to One Session With Nutritionists
Many people can enjoy working with a nutritionist for many different reasons like:
- For a complete diet overhaul
- Looking to manage a medical condition
- Want to fine-tune your food choices
- Get inspiration for new healthy recipes
Workplace Nutrition Counselling helps employees to get rid of their unhealthy eating habits.
Ways To Do It:
- Book A Nutrition Consultant
- Look Out For Websites That Offer Free Diet Counselling
17. Offer Tele-Health
Telehealth allows individuals to:
- Diagnose and detect changes in their medical conditions,
- Check vital health signs, and
- Remote consultations and treatment
18. Surprise Courier With Healthy Snack Boxes
Photo by Ella Olsson / Unsplash
Healthy surprises include nutritious products such as
- snack boxes or
- complete course meal.
It is a unique gifting idea that showcases the spirit of wellness and trust.
Ways To Do It:
- Tie Up With Corporate Snack Suppliers
Various corporate wellness companies provide services to make your employees happy. One of the wells sought-after services is healthy snack supplies.
- Make Your Signature Snack Box
To add a personal taste, you can make your meal box. Try to be creative with recipes that don't include junk!
19. Virtual Meeting Over Lunch
You can fill this void by organizing meetings over lunch via video conference. It will make your employees feel good. As they meet each other over lunch, even if it's virtual. They can discuss any critical matter or get involved in some fun chat.
- Make it a point to keep holding such meetings so that your remote team members feel connected.
- Discuss some fun topics related to diet and other storytelling activities.
20. Introduce Health And Fitness Apps
Due to Covid 19, it is crucial to maintain a safe working environment. It means trying out every possible measure to boost employee health levels. In this regard, digital software technology has made significant strides.
One such example is Vantage Fit. It is a corporate wellness app that keeps track of the health status of your employees. It has various features like
- Real-time HR dashboard
- Fitness points and incentives
- Steps tracker
- Calorie counter
What's even better is that the exciting redeemable gift cards motivate employees even more towards healthy living.
21. Incentivize With Fitness Points
To boost employee engagement, you can incentivize your wellness campaigns. Try to offer corporate incentives like discounts on brands. For an easy process, you can also use corporate apps like Vantage Perks.
22. Offer Virtual Meditation Sessions
Host team virtual meditation sessions via Zoom or Skype. Start with some breathing exercise and end with chants and prayers. You can also play any guided meditation playlist to enhance your experience.
23. Organize Fun Games Sessions Before Work
Lighten up the regular work-from-home routine by playing some fun games.
Ways To Do It:
- Photo Of Your Day
Each group can share a picture of something of their life, which tells a story about the employee. Then ask them to share the story behind the photo they shared. - Pictionary
- Draw the picture
It is a communication game where someone describes a picture. Others have to draw what they hear. It leads to a good laugh when everyone shares their artwork.
24. Set Realizable Targets
Photo by Austin Distel / Unsplash
Employee goal-setting is a crucial responsibility for any manager. By setting measurable and attainable goals,
- An employer guides improvement in employee performance
- Help strengthen the business and
- Enhance its reputation as an employer of choice
Ways To Do It:
- Set goals that align with company objectives
- Set SMART goals
- Set consistent goals for employees with similar responsibilities
25. Set Clear Expectations
Admit that the management is not always perfect. There will be challenges, but make your expectations apparent. That will prevent the employees from becoming frustrated at work. Also inspect employee's expectations.
Install checkpoints to track progress and tweak your expectations if necessary. It will take a load of stress from your employees.
26. Arrange Dedicated Helpline Services
Even after ensuring all the possible measures to engage remote workers. Managers should keep themself flexible and available 24/7 so that they can reach out to their valuable employees.
Availing them some helpline platforms like call, email, or video conferencing. Attending any queries can ease them to connect better with the institutions.
27. Uncompromised Breaks
Unlike office culture, with few minutes of enjoyable sneak peeks. A work from home setup doesn't entertain any of them.
It leaves the employees getting stressed over the thought of working long hours. So encouraging breaks without any terms and conditions is essential. It will give them room to unplug from work.
28. Organize Motivational Workshops Over Zoom
Photo by Chris Montgomery / Unsplash
29. Organize A Comedy Night Event
Arrange a comedy night for your employees as a stress buster. Ensure friction-free experience for the employees to enjoy the performers.
30. Invite a brilliant expert to teach breathing techniques
It is worth your while to invite an expert to teach it to your employees. Proper breathing technique alleviates
- Asthma
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Chronic pain
Campaign and Challenges
Action is the foundational key to all success — Pablo Picasso.
Workplace wellness challenges are a great way to encourage healthy living amongst employees. The idea is to gamify health challenges and incentivize team members. To help them stick to their health and wellness goals.
Challenges can take many forms. It depends on which area of health your team members are most committed to improving. Don't limit yourself to physical fitness and diet, either. Mental health and financial wellness can also help employees feel good.
31. Cycle To Work Scheme
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This challenge invites team members to forego driving to work in favor of biking. Ask employees to cycle or bike one day per week for six weeks. Not only is biking better for the environment, but it's also a great way to get moving and stay fit.
Upon completion of the challenge, provides gift cards for a local athletic shop.
32. Organize A 5 Km Run Challenge
There is a wide range of opportunities to sign up for 5K runs, especially when the weather is nice. Setting a fitness goal like running a distance can help employees get motivated.
You can even download a step tracker app to log your progress—reward employees who complete the run with fitness points. Invite them to challenge their peers, both within and outside the company.
33. Workout Challenge
Ask employees to create their personal goals related to
- Cardiovascular health
- Flexibility
- Strength training
Inviting them to choose their purposes—and rewards—can develop a sense of ownership.
Please make sure you give employees the time they need to exercise, even if that means offering a more flexible schedule.
34. Step It Up Challenge
Do your employees feel a lazy afternoon slump at work? Are you looking for a quick way to warm up? Taking stairs is the best way to pump up for the day. Invite employees to take the stairs instead of the elevator every day for 30 days.
Keep a chart at the top of the stairs where participants can put a checkmark every time they take the stairs. Reward wellness incentives or offer them a healthy lunch.
35. No - Smoking Start Living Campaign
It's common knowledge that there are many health risks associated with smoking. As one of the most addictive substances on the planet, cigarettes are a hard habit to shake.
Aid those employees looking to quit smoking with a challenge. Start with a smoke cessation program. You can reward accomplishments with wellness incentives.
36. Weight Loss Challenge
Go to your warehouse and measure everybody in the office at once. Try to lose weight and measure yourself regularly. It will be a joint effort.
You can come up with a joint award for everybody when they show progress. For example, you can award the entire office with a corporate cookshop. They can learn some clever tricks on making their nutrition better.
Also Read : Creating A Successful Office Weight Loss Challenge For Your Employees
37. Fundraising Campaign
Employee giving campaigns are a crucial part of many organizations' fundraising goals. They mobilize philanthropic efforts from the inside out.
- Make it fun and enriching.
- Collaborate with a local NGO.
- Let your employees promote a good cause.
38. Join A Sport Challenge
Intramural soccer, a badminton league, or swimming at the local pool—there are many affordable ways to join sports in almost every city. You can encourage your employees to create sports teams or join existing sports events. Your company could even "sponsor" the teams by getting them jerseys with logos on them.
39. Meditation Challenge
Try challenging employees to incorporate meditation into their healthy lifestyles. You can also offer lunchtime yoga classes as an engaging event. Various meditation apps can help team members get started in their own free time. Check out apps like Headspace and Calm to get started.
40. Sports Leagues
Learn which sports your employees enjoy playing and organize company-wide leagues. If the idea lives, turn it into a cross-branch thing, or compete with other companies.
Having your employees participate in a company sports league creates a perfect bond and connection within your employees. It can be beneficial both to the company and the employees. It's also a fun way to exercise and relieve stress from work. Plus, your employees will get to meet new people within the company and make new friends.
41. Start A Hobby
According to Psychology Today, having a hobby
- Reduces stress,
- Fosters social connection, and
- It makes you more efficient at managing your time.
So even if your wellness challenge isn't about diet and exercise, encourage employees to cultivate new hobbies. It could have as much of a positive effect on their wellness.
Ask employees to challenge themselves to start that hobby they've always thought to take up, like picking up an instrument or taking an art class.
You can incentivize them by helping to subsidize the cost. Or you can help them connect with other people who work in your organization who might have a similar hobby.
Food And Nutrition
It's never too late to change old habits. -Florence Griffith Joyner
Nutrition plays an essential role in one's wellness journey. According to experts, 80% nutrition and 20% exercise constitute our healthy BMI score.
Here are some employee wellness program ideas that will help you in figuring out your next nutrition program.
42. Avail Virtual Canteen Services
With virtual canteens, employees can book their meals. They can order their preferred food items at the click of a button without the hassle of standing in queues. This way, employees can make the best use of their time, refuel, and relax and get back to work total productivity.
43. Observe Nutritional Month At Work
A healthy diet and an adequate amount of nutrition consumption ensure optimal growth and development. Good nutrition is a prerequisite for a healthy life, and it reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Every year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates in March. This year the theme was "Eat Right, Bite by Bite." You can observe the same guidelines within the office to create food and nutrition awareness.
44. Get Trendy With Smart Water Bottles
Encourage employees to calculate their daily water intake and stick to it. Staying hydrated is essential for a healthy lifestyle, especially if your employees spend most of their time in dehydrating conditions.
Figure out a fun and exciting way to remind employees to take a sip or two of water using:
- Awesome posters by the water cooler
- Elegant smartphone apps
- Smart water bottles
45. Design Your Own Office CookBook
You can do the same cookbook in a friendly, inspirational way. Of course, you will need a creative person in the office who loves scrapbooking to help out.
The idea is to make a fantastic go-to resource when people do not have any more ideas for their lunch for the following day.
46. Install A Healthy Vending Machine
Snacks during work hours usually come down to chocolate, sweets, chips, and other sodium and sugar-packed items. Offer your employees some mouth-watering, healthier options that are quick and easy to get. Offer your employees some nutritious meal options, ranging from:
- Peking Pork Pockets
- Thai Coconut chicken salads
- Caramel Crunch healthy breakfast pots
- Vegan raw treats
They offer natural, healthy food with traceable ingredients, which are also affordable—making healthier food choices available links to reduced sick leave. It also increases productivity among employees.
47. Catchy Healthy Cooking Flyers And Brochures
When it comes to market your wellness initiatives flyers, brochures come in handy. You can curate all the quick tips and ideas about healthy recipes, wellness FAQs.
Also, try to print out catchy flyers and brochures and place them in a common area wherever it's easy to read. You can even design your beautiful free Canva Templates or download some of the ideas from here.
Related: 7 Best Health And Wellness Marketing Ideas To Boost Employee Engagement
48. Organize A Healthy Veggie Week Contest
Photo by Anna Pelzer / Unsplash
So many veggies have so many fantastic properties. Pick a super veggie every week and invite coworkers to share mouth-watering recipes.
49. Create A Healthy Recipe Board
Many office workers would like to indulge in healthy eating habits. But they don't have inspirational ideas about creating lunch. Create an idea board where everyone can put their favorite and yummy healthy recipe.
To make it even more fun and spice it up a bit, you can make a weekly contest out of it. Of course, the winners need to bring some of that tasty food for everybody to have a bite!
50. Set Caffeine Intake Rules
Food Standard for Australia and New Zealand Working Group found anxiety triggering level when it comes to caffeine. For adults, it is 210 mg.
Raise awareness about drinks that contain caffeine and invite coworkers to keep it under 200 mg. If you choose that your caffeine dosage is about to come from coffee or tea, make sure that it's organic coffee from reliable suppliers.
51. Celebrate Healthy Halloween Day
Treats result in a lot of sugary snacks that can cause a cavity. One way to enjoy a healthier alternative is by making a healthy pumpkin treat.
Invite your colleagues to share some of it at work and exchange recipes.
52. Celebrate Green St. Patricks Day
You may not have many Irish coworkers, but celebrating Patrick's day is still a friendly theme, especially since it inspires your employees to eat healthy eating habits.
Stress Management, Motivation And Support
What hurts today makes you stronger tomorrow. — Jay Cutler
No employer can take workplace stress for granted. It is the number one reason that impacts your business, affecting the revenue.
53. Provide Counseling Support
According to the State of Remote Report 2020 by Buffer, a survey of 3,500 remote workers reported that 20% of them felt lonely while working. They miss the office culture hence leads to cases of depression and anxiety to work alone.
Managers play a crucial role in checking the mental health of their employees, ensuring they don't feel lonely while doing work.
One way to check is by keeping communication free. Letting the employees go out if urged or suggesting them to work in some co-working spaces.
54. Create A Mental Health Tool Kit
The Mental Health Toolkit is not a fixed thing but rather an ongoing discovery process. Through trial and error, you can find out what works best for you and your employees and when.
55. Virtual Recognition Softwares
No best feeling can compare if the boss recognizes his employee for a good deed in front of everyone. This enthusiasm can help the employee perform his task more often, be on the leaderboard, and get recognition.
Vantage Circle is one such example that is a trustworthy and dedicated employee engagement platform. They provide customized cloud-based recognition services.
56. Encourage An Off-Day
Free time is essential for an excellent work-life balance. It is also the number one reason for employee wellness.
57. Initiate The EAP Program
Positive feedback does wonder for morale. So, celebrate all small victories and steps toward wellness goals your employees make. In this way, everybody can focus on the good things they did and the things they generally do well. Dr. Timothy Sharp claims that is one of the keys to happiness.
Congratulate employees when they do their job well. Acknowledge the good things that your team achieved. Give them a chance to celebrate their success.
58. Recognize And Award The Fittest
Figure out some prizes that would excite your employees and set up your company's version of 'The Biggest Loser.' It may not be about losing weight; it can also be lowering blood sugar, cholesterol levels, etc. Figure out the prizes with the rest of your employees. Let them be inspirational and worthwhile for your employees.
59. Create a Friendly Workplace
Declare your office a mob-free and friendly environment.
Workplace bullying is often associated with workplace violence and misconduct. It can affect work performance and wellbeing. Most times, these are not reported and, at times, not even recognized. Even verbal aggression is out of the question, no matter how 'funny' some people may find it.
To avoid office bullying and mobbing, talk against bullying through training programs. Create channels for employee-employer communications for issues such as this.
60. Teach Good Sleeping Habits
When employees are too busy with work demands and responsibilities, they tend to skip sleep to work longer hours. They even find it hard to sleep. It tends to backfire as lack of sleep can have some severe consequences.
Employees who get less than 7 hours of sleep may feel sluggish and unproductive during the workday. So if your employees take longer times to finish a task, he or she likely needs more rest. Encourage your employees to learn more about good sleeping habits and how to introduce them into their daily routine.
Team Building Activities
Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success- Henry Ford
Employees' satisfaction and happiness drive the relationship of your company's success. Considering your employees spend their waking time from nine to five a week at the office. The void of positive employee relationships may impact your company.
So, welcome to team-building activities! These are the perfect way to give employees the necessary time and space to bond. We got you covered with some fun corporate team-building activities ideas. These are cost-effective that will suit your employees.
61. Host A Fun Quiz Session
Create a short, multiple-choice quiz on living a healthy lifestyle. Reward everyone with exciting prizes who complete the examination by the deadline. Announce the winner and all the correct answers in a news story. Highlight the most common question to reinforce the right answers and correct myths.
62. Secret Santa Event
It is not hard to organize the Secret Santa around the office, and it is always fun and exciting. It is one of those games that boosts morale and makes employees feel better about their work.
63. Spectacular office sports and dance competitions
It is a fun, interactive, and engaging indoor activity where everybody can take part.
Your employees can choose the games that they want to use for the tournament. You can either organize the competitions for single players or teams. You might also like to schedule an interdepartmental match. Serve or sell healthy snacks to complement this recreational activity.
64. Mind-bending Word of the Day Challenge
Vocabulary and memory skills come as an extra perk by setting this challenge. Set a word of the day challenge through email and get everyone to reply with their first guess. The first one to send the correct answer is the winner.
Pick a 'word of the day' that relates to your service or product. It will expand your employees' vocabulary. Help them give a little more detail about your business. It is also a great chance to get your employees to interact and engage with you.
65. Organise a charity race or a fun run program
Photo by Clem Onojeghuo / Unsplash
Charity races and fun runs like this can keep your employees fit. But this will also give them the satisfaction of contributing to a significant cause. A fun run is a close race usually geared towards raising money and awareness for a good reason.
Invite your employees and even their families to join the event. It's not about winning or losing.
What is more rewarding than having fun doing the workout you love while at the same time doing a good deed.
Growth Hack And Personal Development
All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. — Walt Disney
66. Online Degrees And Certifications
Offer your employees some certifications or courses while they are doing their job. This way, employees will enhance their academic profile. It also benefits your organization without losing talent for higher education.
You can refer to some reputed organizations like Coursera, Udemy, or Edx. They offer different courses from standard universities and reputed educators.
67. Provide Professional Training
Photo by Scott Graham / Unsplash
Employees like the opportunity to learn the latest job skills. It can be specific to the workplace, career development, and internal job training.
These regular sessions let you train your employees with a consultant. They tailor programs as per your goals, objectives. They also help employees discuss ways to improve and grow within the organization.
68. Cool Employee Wellness News Letters
There are always new trends in making the workplace healthier and efficient. Compile those ideas into a newsletter and sent them out to your employees.
Do it via email so that you save the environment.
Get lots of inspiring employee wellness ideas from this Pinterest Board by Meg.
69. Prioritize Personal Goals
It takes a lot of commitment to get into that perfect shape. Until your employees aren't fitness enthusiasts, don't put unnecessary pressure. Allow space to make choices of weight loss over their comfort zones.
Not all need to get fit; all that matters is staying healthy with proper eating habits and wellbeing. It'll make them feel better about themselves. It will also motivate them to continue their wellness journey.
70. Wonderful New Year’s employee wellness resolutions
New year resolutions are fun and exciting to make but very difficult to maintain. It's tough to keep the enthusiasm going, but it's not impossible.
Collect wellness resolutions from your employees and frame them on the company board. Post them on each of their workstations to remind them every day of their wellness targets.
Inspire your employees to make these wellness resolutions for the New Year. Reward those who endure with days off work.
71. Enriching Language Courses
It is always good for business if somebody around the company can speak more than one language.
Yet, learning a second language has other health benefits, as well.
- Reduces risks of early dementia
- Improves focus
- Improves problem-solving skills
- Improves memory
- Boosts attention to details
Breaks And Retreats
Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it. — Henry David Thoreau
Employees' satisfaction and happiness drive your company's success. Considering your employees spend their waking time from nine to five a week at the office. Such a void of positive employee relationships may impact your company.
So, welcome to Corporate Wellness Retreat! These are the perfect way to give employees the necessary time and space to bond. We got you covered. Here are some fun corporate wellness retreat ideas. These are cost-effective and can be customizable as per your employee's comfort.
72. Organize Your Own Wellness Retreat
It's a positive space, getting the staff to relax in the lap of nature. You can plan a visit to your company outhouse or book a resort on weekends.
73. Hiking and Trekking
You can organize a thrilling weekend getaway with hiking and trekking. Plan out a day to go to a nearby hill station for a trek.
Provide them all the safety equipment to avoid any chance of accidents.
74. Get In Hold Of Corporate Wellness Retreat Services
Some professionals can guide you to choose a better retreat plan for your employees. They cover all the processes without giving you the stress of organizing the retreat.
They offer a buffet of wellness retreats like
- Yoga Retreat
- Food Retreat
- Company Retreat
- Yoga Retreat
Related: 5 Best Reasons To Offer Corporate Wellness Retreat To Your Employee
75. Team Picnic
Fresh air and a change of scenery are always welcome at the workplace. Organizing a picnic day helps your employees rejuvenate from their everyday work lives.
Ways To Do It:
- You can ask your employees to take the lead in choosing a picnic spot.
- Ask employees to bring only healthy food or organize a cook-on-spot event.
- Play some fun team-building activities.
76. Go Camping
Photo by Richard Cordones / Unsplash
Organizing a camping trip to a nearby hill or a lake on a clear day is a great way to celebrate weekends. Make sure to check the weather conditions and take necessary precautions. You can also host a musical night or play fun sports to make the most out of it.
77. Take Your Retreat Along With Conferences
Attending corporate seminars is one common aspect while working for a company. But following a whole day's conference can become tiresome at times. You can spice up the moment with a fun wellness retreat.
Make the most out of the opportunity whenever you're out of the town for a conference. This way you not only save the travel cost. But also explore culinary and local artisans in the place. You can go local sightseeing for the rest of the day.
Other Cool Wellness Perks
Action is the foundational key to all success.— Pablo Picasso.
78. Give Away Trendy Fitness Bracelets
Technological innovations are essential to meet the quest for better lifestyle experiences. In 2020 we can see the hype of using wearable fitness trackers like bands and headsets.
It tracks daily fitness activities that keep you aware of your health index. Gifting your employees a smartwatch is one of the latest wellness trends for 2021.
Unlike mobile app trackers, fitness bands give the convenience of portability and flexibility. The built and design provides an intelligent look to fit the current trends. Employees can now concentrate more on activities like walking, jogging, and cycling.
79. Offer Nap Pods
Google, and Uber, recognize the importance of power naps to increase productivity. A relaxed mind and body keep you charged throughout the day.
Allow your employees to power nap by having nap pods inside your office/company. PodStyle is a company that makes these pods in different styles and sizes. It is interesting to read their workplace case studies with their partner companies.
80. Create A Zen Office
Creating a zen office can yield excellent results. One such is combatting the rising employee's mental health.
It is a workplace culture that promotes zen principles of mindfulness and tranquility. It forms a part of the modern workplace that suffices the lack of employee wellbeing.
Ways To Do It:
- Frame zen quotes
- Place ornamental stones and plants all over the office.
- Renovate the office space with zen decors
81. Introduce Productivity Techniques
Social media is, hands down, one of the biggest — and easiest — ways to waste time. But we need to cut ourselves off, sometimes. It is not only to give ourselves a much-needed respite from the screen but also, to get pending work done.
Employees may spend their valuable time on social apps, draining their energy. You can introduce them to social media timers so that they have a check on their time limits.
There are various apps; some of the popular apps are In a moment, Off time, Hour Hand.
82. Offer Company Discounts
Employers offer corporate discounts to attract and keep valuable quality employees.
Vantage Circle's employee discount platform gives employees access to exclusive deals and offers. Employees can avail themselves of a variety of categories like health, travel, etc.
83. Onsite Day Care Services
Photo by Tai's Captures / Unsplash
New parents might find trouble focusing back on their work once they join the back office. Finding good daycare for babies is a tough call for many. It impacts productivity and quality of work no matter how hard they try.
One way to help your employees is by making a daycare center. You can build one at your office building or partner with a local center. This way, the kids of your employees receive high-quality child care services.
84. Offer Spa And Massages
Pamper your good workers with a relaxing spa regime. Offer coupons to spas and for massages from time to time. Motivational speaker Jamie Brown suggests an exceptional idea of massage. You can bring it to the next level by hiring a massage therapist into the office. They would rotate and provide a free 15-minute massage to all staff once a week.
85. Free Gym Membership
The best reason to offer benefits, yet, is the human factor. Employees who have good services are often healthier and happier. They're more engaged at work, and they're more productive. They take fewer sick days, and they'll often report they have a higher quality of life.
Try to contact any local gym owner and ask for rebates for subscriptions. You can also offer subscriptions to virtual training. It is helpful for employees who are uncomfortable exercising in public.
86. Celebrate Your Employee Birthdays
Having the employee birthdays noted and celebrated is an excellent way of show care. You can make a creative birthday calendar board where you post all the birth dates of your staff. It'll be fun to see everyone looking forward to someone's birthday.
You can also send a customized birthday email every first day of the month. This way, you can have an early start for the birthday celebrations of the month. Give your employees a promotional pen, notebook on every birthday.
These small tokens and acts of thoughtfulness make them love their job more.
87. Celebrate Harmony Day
Encourage diversity and inclusion by celebrating harmony day. Make interactions fun by celebrating the cultural day at the office.
88. Practice Team Gratitude Day
Thanking or praising someone makes them feel good and makes us feel even better. If it's reciprocated, it spreads happiness and positivity to others.
Boost your employee's moods with gratitude lessons. Attempt to develop an optimistic culture among employees. It makes the experiences more enjoyable and interactive.
89. Karaoke or Office Theme Parties
Rent a karaoke machine or organize a costume party. It will make your coworkers relax and get to know each other in different situations. Moreover, they will have fun together, which is always great. Give your employees a chance to brag about the fun they have in their workplace.
90. Throw A Healthy Christmas Potluck Party
The potluck party is a great food event.
Everybody brings one dish to share and celebrates a wholesome feast. This Christmas, plan and organize a holiday potluck party for your employees.
Don't forget to limit food choices, such as sugar-free, organic-only recipes.
It is a fantastic way to compel your employees into healthy eating during the holidays. It not only helps in avoiding weight gain but also makes the event engaging and fun.
91. Play Scavenger Hunts
It is a great team-building activity. Everybody gets divided into teams and tasks that they need to complete by foot. Create assignments that challenge the analytical and strategic skills of your employees. That is what makes them engaging and entertaining.
This fun activity always brings employees closer together. It helps them practice collaboration while boosting office morale at the same time. If you do not want to do it yourself, you can hire team-building experts like Scavenger Hunt Anywhere.
92. Personal Finance Workshops
It is easy to be wrong with your money and make bad financial decisions. When that happens, it can lead to a situation in which a person feels that they work hard and earn nothing.
Avoid such circumstances. One way is to offer personal finance courses. It will allow your employees to master their finances, improving life quality.
93. Offer Social Media Time Counter
People waste valuable time on social media. It reduces the free time your employees already lack. Thus, show them the benefits of social media timers that can improve their life quality.
94. Nutrituous Holiday Recipe Haul
It is tough to say no to holiday food. So, you can make an effort to make it healthier, at least. Bring your most nutritious recipes to work and swap them with your employees.
95. Create Organic Office Garden
Photo by Elias Morr / Unsplash
A New York Times article pointed out an emerging trend in the business world: company gardens. Tech giants like Google are joining forces to grow food on the company grounds. It gives a sense of positivity and team spirit among employees.
Grow your fresh vegetables and fruits right from your office garden. Office gardening is a great team-building activity. Also, it forms a place as an employee perk.
96. Improve Your Team Communication
Communication plays a vital role in the organization. Free contact with coworkers or managers reduces stress.
Ensure that all the communication channels within the organization are operational. It will ensure that people at other levels are getting the correct information.
Ways To Do It:
- Have one-to-one sessions with your employees. A direct conversation stills a clear communication of their problems. It helps in stress reduction.
- Allow employees to communicate. Listen when people want to talk to you.
97. Conduct Health Risk Assessments
A corporate health risk assessment or HRA; evaluates all the employee's health-related risks.
It covers a broad topic of health and wellness programs. It keeps records of blood pressure and nutrition, stress, sleep, and mental health.
Ways To Do It:
- Prepare well-defined questions. Ask your employees to fill in all their biometrics information.
- You can take help to professional services from corporate wellness companies.
- You can partner with a local clinic to offer free medical check-ups.
Related: A Definitive Guide On The Workplace Health Risk Assessments
98. Carry Out A Pulse Survey
Employees like to receive regular feedback about their job performance. Carrying out a pulse survey creates employee loyalty for your company.
Ways To Do It:
- Conduct performance appraisals and keep a check on your inactive employees. Set realistic objectives and employee expectations.
- Share some constructive, meaningful, and timely feedback about their performance. Also, give your employees some space to improve.
- Take the help of technology to create your forms. You can use google forms and design your pulse survey questions.
- You can level up and offer software like Vantage Pulse. It is the best corporate app in the market.
99. Create An Office Memory Wall
You must have heard the famous song "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran.
"We keep this love in a photograph. We made these memories for ourselves"
Indeed! Pictures speak a thousand words. Your employees would love to relish all the memories spent within your office. It's only possible only if you ask them to create an office memory wall in the workplace.
Ways To Do It:
- Ask everyone to write down their favorite office memory on a sticky note.
- Advice them to take turns by sharing and adding their message on the wall.
- You can include pictures to make it even more personalized.
100. Offer Corporate Tai-chi Class
Practicing mindfulness and experiencing tranquility is all that your busy corporate employees need. Offer corporate tai-chi classes. It is an ancient Chinese martial art that offers flexibility. It gives employees something interesting to self-reflect on while working.
101. Fun Corporate Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are trendy among corporate teams. It's a skill that everyone loves to do, as it helps in showcasing their cooking talents.
Ways to Do It:
- Team up your employees, and assign them to make a healthy dish.
- To enhance the thrill, you can organize a cooking contest with these teams.
- Try offering unique dining experiences by visiting a countryside place. You can also provide a holistic cooking experience with their local dish. This way, your employees will have a chance to learn about the history and its effect on food.
Conclusion
A corporate wellness program is more than an incredible employee perk. It's an effective way to ensure your employees have sound health to do their best work.
With our extensive list of program ideas, you can improve employee wellbeing in the workplace.
Now I'm keen to hear from you.
Which wellness ideas would you install in your next program?
Please share your views in the comment

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