Great Lakes Wire

Wellness looks significantly different today compared to a few years ago. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and inflation have introduced new mental health issues and stressors, adding to the daily tasks employees juggle. Consequently, employee wellness programs have had to adapt, offering various levels of support to better reach their employees.

As organizations aim to address the health and wellness of their workforce in the upcoming year, the SBAM employee wellness program ensures coverage of six key areas of well-being: Physical, Financial, Occupational, Emotional, Social, and Purpose.

These categories address the most pressing challenges employees face and are interconnected. For instance, improving mental health requires proper sleep, diet, and exercise.

By addressing all six categories of wellness, employers can foster a holistic sense of wellness and fulfillment within their workforce.

1. Physical

The physical category emphasizes the need for regular movement and a healthy diet. It encourages learning about diet and nutrition while discouraging tobacco use, drugs, and excessive alcohol consumption. This category also includes personal responsibility for minor illnesses and knowing when professional medical help is necessary.

2. Financial

Financial well-being involves meeting current and ongoing financial obligations securely while feeling confident about the future. It encompasses feeling in control of finances, being able to handle financial setbacks or crises, staying on track with goals, and having flexibility in financial decisions.

3. Occupational

Occupational well-being focuses on personal satisfaction and enrichment through work. Achieving occupational wellness involves contributing one's gifts, skills, and talents to meaningful and rewarding work. Job satisfaction, career ambitions, performance are crucial components of this aspect of well-being.

4. Emotional

Emotional well-being pertains to awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. It includes feeling positive about oneself and life overall while managing emotions effectively. This category involves assessing personal limitations, developing autonomy, and coping with stress efficiently.

5. Social

Social well-being encourages active participation in both one's environment and community. Enhancing social wellness leads to greater awareness of one’s societal impact and involvement in promoting healthier living through effective communication with others.

6. Purpose

Research indicates that having a sense of purpose at work can enhance employees' personal lives significantly. A sense of purpose is essential as it provides clear reasons for our actions and how we spend our time.

By evaluating what employees want and need in the new year, organizations can transform their workplaces into more productive environments that are engaged and prepared for future challenges.

Article courtesy of OnSite Wellness

Related article: Having a Wellness Plan in Place Can Help Boost Employee Performance and Productivity