What is a wellness program in the workplace?

When employees thrive in the workplace, they’re twice as likely to thrive socially, financially, physically, emotionally and as community members.

At work, they’re more productive and happier. They could also potentially have lower health care costs.

By having a strong wellness program as a business owner, you can increase employee satisfaction and your bottom line. That’s why Sanford Health Plan has a wellness team ready to connect your employees to hands-on wellness resources.

What does a wellness program include?

We partner with you to provide health and wellness screenings during 15-minute, one-on-one sessions. This allows you to take the pulse of your workforce’s health and identify areas for improvement.

For example, if a screening shows your employees are stressed, a wellness coach can connect them to mindfulness experts. They can then pinpoint daily triggers of stress and problem-solve for solutions.

Benefits of employee wellness programs

Focusing on wellness at work can transform the health of your employees. You can reap these benefits:

• Happier, healthier employees
• More productivity
• Reduced stress
• Improved attendance
• Better employee recruitment and retention
• Lower health care costs

Through our programs, you’ll work with a team of physicians, exercise specialists, dietitians and other experts.

Types of corporate wellness programs

Wellness programs in the workplace can be as varied as the health needs of your employees. Programs can focus on:

• Exercise and fitness
• Health risk assessments or screenings
• Nutrition
• Smoking cessation
• Stress reduction
• Vaccinations
• Weight management

Examples of workplace wellness programs

We offer three signature programs to help your employees build a foundation for long-term health and well-being.

Our Diabetes Prevention Program is open to all plan members. In this program, a wellness coach will teach your employees how to lead a healthy lifestyle and reduce their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Our Lifestyle is Medicine program makes big health improvements through small lifestyle changes.

After graduating from the Lifestyle is Medicine program, employees diagnosed with obesity reduced their body mass index by an average of 4%. Those with Type 2 diabetes reduced their glucose levels by 59 points, bringing them down to a pre-diabetes glucose range. Overall, employees increased their physical activity by an average of 106%.

And our Exercise is Medicine program equips your employees with the exercise tools they need to decrease health risks.

Get started

Ready to learn more about how we can help your employees live healthier and happier?

Download our Your Premiums Go Farther Employer Guide. You can also call us at (888) 236-1074 to talk to an expert or get a quote.

Related content

Why population health matters

Why you should offer health insurance as a small business owner