Employers' role in health and wellness to promote employee well-being, by Medshield

Modern life has dramatically changed, and the rapid pace and high demands on individuals have increased mental, financial, and social challenges. As workloads increase, so does the need for environments that support optimal performance while prioritising personal well-being.

Understanding well-being

Well-being involves more than just physical health; it also encompasses mental and emotional health. Employers must invest in comprehensive wellness programmes that address all aspects of employee health to create a balanced work environment.

Holistic wellness programmes should address all aspects of well-being, including:

• Physical well-being: Maintaining a healthy body through exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and regular medical care.
  
• Mental well-being: Psychological health, which involves managing stress, having a positive outlook, and feeling capable of handling life's challenges.
  
• Emotional well-being: The ability to experience and express emotions healthily and have satisfying relationships and a support system.
  
• Social well-being: Developing and maintaining strong, positive relationships, belonging, and being part of a community.
  
• Financial well-being: Managing finances effectively to reduce stress and afford necessities and some luxuries.
  
• Occupational well-being: Finding fulfilment and purpose in one's work, having a work-life balance, and feeling accomplished.

A commitment to wellness

Critical components of strategies and initiatives that support the overall well-being of employees include:

• Health programmes: Implement programmes that promote physical health, such as gym memberships, fitness classes, on-site health screenings, and flu vaccinations.
  
• Mental health support: Provide resources for mental health, including access to counselling services, mental health days, stress management workshops, and employee assistance programs (EAPs).
  
• Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible working hours, remote work options, and generous leave policies to help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
  
• Healthy work environment: Create a workplace that supports health and safety with ergonomic furniture, healthy food options, clean and well-ventilated spaces, and policies that prevent workplace harassment and discrimination.
  
• Financial well-being programmes: Provide financial education, retirement planning resources, and assistance programmes to help employees manage their finances and reduce financial stress.
  
• Professional development: Support career growth and job satisfaction through training programmes, career counselling, and opportunities for advancement.
  
• Community and Social Engagement: Encourage a sense of community through team-building activities, social events, volunteer opportunities, and employee resource groups.
  
• Recognition and rewards: Acknowledge and reward employees' contributions and achievements to foster a positive and motivating work environment.
  
• Inclusive policies: Develop and enforce policies that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all employees feel valued and respected.
  
• Regular feedback and communication: Maintain open lines of communication where employees can provide feedback and feel heard, as well as keep them informed about wellness initiatives and available resources.

Examples of successful wellness programmes

Globally, many companies have embraced the importance of employee wellness, resulting in increased productivity, morale, attendance, and reduced healthcare costs. Companies like Google, Microsoft, Apple, and Amazon have become renowned for their comprehensive wellness programmes that typically include access to mental health apps, educational reimbursements, support groups, fitness centres, on-site meals, and at-home wellness classes.

In South Africa, Medshield Medical Scheme has been certified as a Top Employer for its investment in world-class people practices. The Scheme is committed to a member-centric service model built on the health and wellness of its members and employees. This Top Employer certification highlights Medshield's dedication to maintaining exemplary people practices and initiatives that meet and exceed global benchmarks while delivering exemplary service to the Medshield Medical Scheme members.

The scheme is at the forefront of promoting employee wellness through its extensive corporate medical scheme packages. These packages ensure employees can access medical care whenever needed and encourage proactive health management through preventative tests and procedures. The Medshield Wellness Benefit, available to all members on all benefit options, includes regular Health Risk Assessments (HRA) covering cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, and body mass index (BMI) tests, which can be conveniently obtained from pharmacies.

Medshield also organises Corporate Wellness Days at participating employer groups. These Corporate Wellness Days are designed to identify potential health issues early and monitor employee health proactively, preventing conditions from becoming chronic. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining a healthy workforce and ensuring business success. In addition, employees who are members of Medshield can also benefit from ClickFit (www.ClickFit.co.za). This free online portal, exclusively available to members, is packed with free downloadable, easy-to-follow menus and workout programmes that will help get them moving and achieving their fitness and health goals.

As understanding employee wellness as a critical component of organisational success becomes more prevalent, investing in holistic wellness programmes is no longer optional but essential. By integrating wellness practices into their organisational culture, companies can pursue a comprehensive approach to health and wellness, demonstrating how proactive care and supportive environments can lead to healthier, happier, and more productive employees, setting a benchmark for other companies to follow.