Optimal Wellness with Employee Benefits

Progressive companies are more conscious than ever about the benefits of investing in their human resources and are creating outstanding well-being programs for their employees. Whether they’re for teaching their employees how to stop drinking, lose weight, or deal with anxiety, there’s probably a program in your company that’s right for you – and if not, there’s probably another company out there you could be looking to go to.

Physical health drives companies like Microsoft and Google, who have a wide range of programs, from medical services and full body massages to cooking lessons. In other companies such as ASANA, they use free time as a means to increase productivity. With PTO and napping time, the company is responsible for having their employees active and relaxed. When it comes to fitness, some companies go the extra mile to motivate their employees. Companies like Draper offer complete weight loss programs and even encourage their employees with cash prizes. 

Sun Life covers more than seven types of mental health professionals, and in 2017 increased psychological benefits from $1,200 to $12,000 per family member. And the popular Starbucks operates under the philosophy of “valuing individuals and contributions.” They like to see their employees as “partners,” and their program “Thrive Wellness” provides information, tools, and culture to improve physical and mental health. The list is vast, and some employers have figured out the importance of turning to online therapy as a mean to increase productivity.

4 Reasons why you should say yes to your company’s wellness efforts.

If your company has a wellness program and you are not taking advantage of it, here are a few reasons why you should.

1. They are a privilege. Many people, if not most, are stuck in dreaded jobs with bosses whom they don’t like, with no support from the company to help deal with the stress. Their personal development is something they have to take care of by themselves. Being in a company that helps you improve your well-being is a privilege.
2. They benefit you and your employer. There is a reason why your company invests in these programs: improving psychological health is crucial. Problems like depression, anxiety, and alcoholism are on the rise.
3. They save you money. Having extra money in your pocket will also do wonders for your mental health. Good psychological treatments can cost up to $300 per session, while some rehabilitation centers charge up to $25,000 a month. Being sick or in recovery is not cheap. By using your companies’ program, you save money and prevent problems before they get worse. If push comes to shove, they can help you reduce cost for treatment. Just remember, the longer you wait, the harder it becomes.
4. Focusing on wellness is preventing. Improving your psychological well-being will help you avoid severe problems. Depression, anxiety, stress at work, and bad relationships are some of the core reasons for drinking problems and other habits you may want to change. By learning the proper skills, you can cope with these situations and learn how to improve your life.

3 Ways to make the best out of your wellness program.

If you want better results, you should start by taking control of your own path to improvement. The decision to get better is yours, and these programs are just one more tool to add to your repertoire. If you want long lasting results, start by creating your own plan.

1. Set your own goals. Goals set by your company are important, but the reason why you want to be better should be personal. Improving in different aspects of your life will keep you motivated, and motivation matters. Try this:
   • Write everything down. Use goal setting worksheets to set monthly and weekly goals, and keep them where you can see them every day.
   • Track your progress. Being able to perceive results is key for motivation. Write all your milestones and keep them where you can see them.  
2. Create your own support network. Go further than interacting with your co-workers. You can cultivate relationships outside of work, and create support groups with people with the same vision and goals. Instant messaging applications like WhatsApp are great for creating these kind of groups.
3. Go Pro. If you are serious about improving you could benefit from the confidentiality, and the flexibility to build a personalized program. Explore options for care by talking to people you trust, or companies that have a solid reputation, and ultimately find a professional that best fits your needs.

If your company doesn’t have any employee wellness programs, don’t hesitate to approach them about it. Most companies are open to suggestions, and your feedback can be crucial to providing the company with visibility of a program that meets the employees’ needs. You can contribute to the growth of the company and the psychological well-being of your entire team.

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[Editor’s Note:The author of this post is a content contributor to Alavida, and this contributor was paid for their writing. The opinions, views, results and experiences are theirs alone.]

Omar E. Martínez is a freelance writer and a therapist specialised in the fields of clinical psychology and personal development. He helps clients regain control of their lives through optimism and cognitive-behavioural therapy.