Workplace wellness is a hot topic these days, but do businesses really consider it important? A hot-off-the-presses white paper, How Does Your Workplace Make You Feel?, shines a spotlight on a recent Colliers study that seeks to answer exactly that.

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It turns out that 85 percent of participants rank wellness at the top of company initiatives. The prioritization is driven by employee demand, many of whom state that the availability of wellness programs and resources affect whether or not they stay with a company. Businesses that deliver on these demands see pronounced and positive results.

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Workplace wellness programs really do work
Employee wellness programs include anything from smoking cessation, to stress management, to nutrition and weight loss. Many workers look for amenities such as on-site gyms and fitness centers. Response to these programs is generally positive and contributes to an overall improvement in general workplace health.

It’s not only about the programs
Fluorescent light bulbs simply can’t replace natural light and employers are realizing it. Glass partitions to office spaces have recently joined long, wall-length windows to allow more employees access to sunlight, chasing away workplace dreariness. Other changes, such as higher ceilings and more allowance for movement, allow workers to feel more creative and innovative. Giving people room to breathe produces better results, including faster problem solving.

The benefits are impressive
Over the course of a decade, Johnson & Johnson managed to save $250 million through its employee wellness programs. Many other companies have also seen significant healthcare cost reductions; meanwhile, employees who are well-taken care of are more productive and more loyal. Remember: less sick days benefit everyone.

Learn more about workplace wellness in the How Does Your Workplace Make You Feel? white paper.