Wellness programs offered by employers are increasing in popularity – and for good reason. Investing in employees is one of the smartest things an organization can do to support a happy, healthy workforce. The health and attitude of employees lie at the heart of the best nonprofits to work for and are key to any organization’s success or failure.

A revitalized workplace culture can include addressing how to encourage content employees. These team members are likely be more productive, engaged, and active on behalf of our mission.

It’s also cost effective. “Employers who are struggling with increasing healthcare costs and attenuating employee productivity concerns simply cannot afford not to improve the well-being and performance of their workforce,” says Bizjournals.com’s 7 Steps to Managing the Wellbeing of Your Workers.

Wellness programs act as preventative care, a less expensive long-term solution versus treating illness or chronic concerns fueled by an unhealthy lifestyle.

Bizjournals continues, “With the reasons for well-being programs so compelling, the issue is not whether to offer a wellness program, but how best to implement it so as to fully engage employees to gain clear, measurable outcomes and a real return on this serious business investment.”

So how can your nonprofit implement a wellness program for your staff and volunteers?

• Build a support system — a “Wellness Task Force” — to promote, exhibit, and teach healthy behaviors.

• Measure the changes in your organization’s progress in productivity and reach, and adjust along the way for better results.

• Engage everyone! Make it fun, inviting, and accentuate the benefits of a healthy lifestyle through contests, benchmarks, and teamwork.

What you hope your team to be? Productive. Engaged. Focused on mission. Happy and healthy.  Invest in your employees so they can invest in your organization.

For more information of wellness in the workplace, check out:

7 Steps to Managing the Wellbeing of Your Workers.

Is Your Wellbeing Strategy Really Meeting Your Employees’ Needs?

Employee Engagement & Employee Health & Wellbeing: Can You Have One Without the Other?