June is National Employee Wellness Month – a dedicated time to recognize the vital role that employee health and well-being play in building thriving workplaces. As organizations adapt to evolving work environments, whether remote, hybrid, or in-person, prioritizing wellness is not just beneficial, it’s good business.

Employee wellness goes far beyond gym memberships or HSA accounts. A truly effective wellness program supports the whole person – addressing mental health, stress management, nutrition, financial stability, and work-life balance. When employees feel supported in these areas, they’re more likely to be engaged, productive, and committed. On the flip side, neglecting wellness can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and rising healthcare costs.

There are plenty of meaningful ways workplaces can promote wellness without spending a dime. Here are some zero-cost or low-effort ideas that can have a big impact:

• Walking Meetings: Encourage walking one-on-ones or team check-ins to get people moving and out of their chairs.
• Gratitude on the Agenda: Start meetings with a quick round of appreciation or shout-outs.
• No-Meeting Days: Designate one day a week as meeting-free to reduce stress and boost focus.
• Peer Support Groups: Create informal groups for employees to share experiences and support each other.
• Mindfulness Breaks: Share guided meditation or breathing exercises during the day.

• Stretch Breaks: Schedule 5-minute stretch sessions during long meetings or at set times during the day.
• Step Challenges: Use free apps or simple tracking to encourage friendly competition.
• Deskercise Routines: Share simple desk-friendly exercises employees can do throughout the day.

• Healthy Recipe Swaps: Create a shared document or Slack/Teams channel for employees to post their favorite healthy meals.
• Water Challenges: Encourage hydration with daily water intake goals.
• Lunch & Learn Sessions: Host informal talks where employees share wellness tips or food hacks.

• Resource Sharing: Compile and share free financial literacy tools or budgeting templates.
• Peer-Led Workshops: Invite employees with financial expertise to lead informal sessions.

• Flexible Breaks: Encourage employees to take breaks when they need them, not just at set times.
• "Log Off" Culture: Promote boundaries by discouraging after-hours emails or messages.
• Time Blocking Tips: Share productivity techniques to help employees manage their time better.

National Employee Wellness Month is a powerful reminder to assess and enhance your organization’s wellness efforts. Investing in employee well-being isn’t just a kind gesture, it’s a strategic move.  Healthier employees build healthier businesses.

ASE Connect  

Visit ASE’s Workplace Wellness Resources page for additional wellness resources for employers.  In addition, the member-exclusive Zywave HR Services Suite offers a breadth of wellness resources.  Access Zywave via the ASE Member Dashboard under My Research Tools.