According to some studies the answer is no.  A recent Harvard study found that wellness programs yield unimpressive results—yet over 80% of large organizations offer them.  Why the poor results? 

Two other studies were administered to find out what aspects of wellness programs employees value and would increase productivity and usage.  Future Workplace and View surveyed 1,601 workers across North America.

What do employees really want?  They want better air quality, access to natural light, and the ability to personalize their workspace. Half of the employees surveyed said poor air quality makes them sleepier during the day, and more than a third reported up to an hour in lost productivity as a result. In fact, air quality and light were the biggest influencers of employee performance, happiness, and wellbeing, while fitness facilities and technology-based health tools were the most trivial.

Therefore, employers who design smart programs can reduce absenteeism and the costs associated with it. It is estimated that unscheduled absenteeism costs employers $3,600 annually per hourly worker and $2,650 each year for salaried workers—up to four days a year.   Therefore, employers who review lighting, ventilation, and basic air flow proactively can see greater results in employee happiness and productivity.

What do employees think less of?  Fitness clubs, health foods, and especially tech health tools. 

First, employers need to rethink the wellness approach.  Biometrics is the next wave of class action lawsuits because of state and local laws.  Any wellness program that requires personalized information is potentially subject to future issues.  Illinois, especially, is the leading state regarding these type of laws and Michigan is considering a similar law. 

Second, any wellness program should be personalized as much as possible.  These studies found that employees want an app that allows them to control the ambience of the workspace from temperature to lighting.  A dark workspace with a single light or lamp is becoming more commonplace.  Others want natural light to feel better.  Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is allowing employees to control the amount of natural light streaming in through the glass of their office windows with a cell phone app.

Further, given the approach of open offices, which may or may not be a retread fad, controlling the soundscape of the workspace is especially important to employees. For example, Cisco has managed the acoustic levels in their space by creating a floor plan without assigned seating that includes neighborhoods of workspaces designed specifically for employees collaborating in person, remotely, or those who choose to work alone.

Another type of wellness program which is popular are meditation spaces and mindfulness training services in the workplace.  Given the workloads, the lack of depth in the organization, and the need to keep on time, the pressure has grown on employees.  These programs have become extremely popular.  Nap rooms are also becoming increasingly common. 

Finally, more flexibility in the workplace, from attendance to breaks, are important considerations for employees. 

Source:  Harvard Business Review 8/26/19, Zenefits 3/19/18, CFI