How can employee wellness programs help improve productivity and engagement in Strategy?

Considering initiatives to enhance inclusion, belonging, growth opportunities, and appreciation as integral components of organizational strategy, - rather than peripheral elements of human resources programs-, empowers companies to foster engagement. This engagement, in turn, unleashes discretionary commitment—essential for responding agilely to evolving industry dynamics.

Employee wellness programs in a strategy-focused environment can enhance productivity and engagement: Physical Well-being: Wellness programs promoting physical health reduce absenteeism, boost energy levels, and improve overall resilience, contributing to sustained productivity. Mental Health Support: Addressing stress and mental health through wellness initiatives fosters a positive work environment. Employees are more focused and engaged when their mental well-being is prioritized. Work-Life Balance: Wellness programs promoting work-life balance improve employee satisfaction and retention. A balanced lifestyle positively impacts productivity and commitment to long-term strategic goals.

Employee wellness programs definitely make an impact in the employee’s wellbeing emotionally more than anything else. Once employees “feel” that the organisation cares for them & their wellbeing, half the battle is won. They not only feel motivated but also engaged, especially if the wellness programme is curated to suit their wellness goals, based on a survey & assesses their inherent requirement of feeling nurtured & looked after. This improves productivity as well as employee engagement. Wellness programmes focused on mental wellness can be a great way of bringing about a culture of trust & joy in the organisation & such programmes must be part of strategic goals of organisations wanting to build a great work cultures.

In the strategic realm, wellness programs are not just about health; they're strategic tools. It's about finding those tools, training, and guidance that provide a reliable platform to support mental health, and a proven methodology for finding performance benefits in the results of a healthier, more comfortable, focused team. They combat stress, a silent productivity killer, fostering an environment where creativity and innovation thrive. Picture a team less burdened by stress – their collaborative potential skyrockets, enhancing communication and propelling innovative solutions. It's a transformation from stressed to best, turning strategy work into a ground for growth and positive energy.

In strategy, one-size-fits-all wellness doesn't cut it. Programs must be as diverse as the strategies we devise. Physical wellness boosts energy, critical for those marathon strategy sessions. Mental wellness, on the other hand, sharpens focus, crucial for navigating complex strategic landscapes. Social wellness fortifies team bonds, essential for collaborative strategizing. And financial wellness? It brings peace of mind, enabling strategists to focus on the big picture without personal finance distractions. Health and wellness in all of these areas effectively and efficiently drive your business. The more healthy you are, the more you are likely to succeed.

A simple yet crucial way is to ensure you have change agents or ambassadors in each team that encourage participation. This step applies to senior leadership and team members. Seeing buy-in from leaders encourages colleagues to participate. Moreover some topics are harder to discuss or sign-up for due to either bias or stigma (i.e. mental health) or personal nature (i.e. financial health). Having ambassadors in the team that state “hey, I’m attending this program, who wants to join” makes it less scary and gets participants. If the programs are aligned to the need of the team, participation will drive the desired outcomes.

To supercharge strategy through wellness, start by listening – really listening – to your team's needs. Set tangible goals for wellness initiatives and track progress meticulously. Communication is key; make wellness part of the daily dialogue. And remember, culture is the soil in which wellness grows; cultivate an environment where well-being is valued as much as KPIs. By empowering your team to take ownership of their wellness, you're not just enhancing their health, you're amplifying their strategic capabilities.

The assumption that employee wellness programs inherently enhance productivity and engagement in strategy may not hold universally. While promoting well-being is crucial, the direct correlation between wellness programs and strategic outcomes is subtle. Focusing solely on wellness might divert attention from addressing underlying structural issues affecting productivity. A more effective strategy involves integrating wellness initiatives with targeted interventions addressing organizational bottlenecks, ensuring a holistic approach to performance improvement.

I keep my wellness programmes simple. Not contacting staff after office hours unless in urgent cases and telling them not to work when on leave. This results in me the boss working harder to cover the gaps but having been at the receiving end of “everything is urgent” or “I know you’re on leave but” this was one big thing I wanted to change

Don't underestimate the power of unconventional wellness methods in strategy. Have you thought about walking meetings to spur physical activity and fresh thinking? Or what about incorporating mindfulness exercises into strategy sessions to clear mental clutter? A daily mindfulness practice for your team? These aren't just wellness activities; they're strategy enhancers, opening new avenues of thought and collaboration; performance, proof, and profit. Feedback and iteration are key – always be ready to adapt and evolve your approach for maximum impact.