Healthy employees are the backbone of any successful business. When your team is feeling good, both physically and mentally, it shows—productivity goes up, sick days go down, and overall morale improves. These days, more and more companies are realizing this, which is why employee health and well-being are becoming top priorities. One of the best ways to support your workforce is by offering benefits that encourage healthy lifestyles. It’s a win-win: your employees stay happy and healthy, and your business benefits from improved job satisfaction and loyalty. A great example of this is the BHN Extras Cyclescheme, and the employee benefits platform which accompanies it.
1. Why Employee Health Matters to Your Business
It’s pretty simple: when your employees are happy adnd healthy, your business runs better. When people feel good, they’re more engaged, take fewer sick days, and are more motivated to give their best at work. There’s plenty of research that backs this up—companies that invest in their employees’ well-being often see big returns. We're talking higher productivity, lower absenteeism, and reduced healthcare costs. But it’s not just about the numbers. Prioritizing health also shows your team that you genuinely care about them, which builds loyalty and reduces staff turnover, which is huge for any business.
2. Employee Benefits That Improve Health and Well-Being
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to promoting employee wellness, but here are some of the most popular and effective perks companies are offering these days:
A. Corporate Wellness Programs
A wellness program can be as simple or as comprehensive as you want. It could include gym memberships, on-site fitness classes, health screenings, or mental health support. You could also run stop-smoking programs or offer resources to help employees manage stress. Add to this offering incentives—like discounts or small bonuses—and you can encourage more people to participate. The goal is to make it easy for employees to take care of themselves, both physically and mentally, during and outside of their workday.
B. Cycle-to-Work Schemes
One standout option is the Cyclescheme, which allows employees to buy bicycles and accessories tax-free through their employer. Cycling to work is great for physical health—it improves cardiovascular fitness, lowers stress, and can help prevent chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes. It’s also great to support mental health too. Riding to work can be a great way to clear your head and get energised before the day starts.
On top of the personal health benefits, there’s also the environmental advantages too. By cycling, employees help cut down on pollution and ease traffic congestion. It’s an all-around win. Whether your team is made up of seasoned cyclists or newbies, the tax-free aspect makes it easier for everyone to join in. And when people feel their employer supports their health and wellness, they’re more likely to stay engaged and loyal.
C. Flexible Working Hours
It’s no secret that achieving a good work-life balance is key to mental well-being. Offering flexible hours gives your team the freedom to fit work around their personal lives. This can make all the difference—it might allow someone to go for a run in the morning, cook a healthy dinner, or spend more time with family. Flexibility helps reduce stress, which means employees can recharge and come back to work more focused and energized.
D. Mental Health Support
Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it’s often overlooked in the workplace. Companies can step up by offering Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), access to counseling, or even hosting mindfulness and meditation workshops. Helping employees manage their mental health can prevent burnout, reduce anxiety, and increase focus and creativity. This isn’t just about helping employees—it’s about creating an environment where people can thrive.
E. Healthy Eating Options
Good nutrition is a key part of staying healthy, and businesses can help by providing healthy snacks in the office, partnering with local outlets that offer nutritious meals, or even hosting educational wellness workshops that focus on food and health. Keeping employees fueled with the right food not only boosts their energy but also keeps productivity high throughout the day. No more afternoon slumps!
3. The Payoff for Employers
It’s clear that employee wellness programs bring huge benefits for employees, but there are alsp big benefits for employers. Healthy employees are more productive, take fewer sick days, and are more likely to stay in the long-term, which can save your company money. Not only that, but companies with strong wellness programs often see reduced healthcare costs.
These programs can also help you attract top talent. In today’s competitive job market, people aren’t just looking at salaries—they want to know that their well-being will be taken seriously. Offering perks that support both physical and mental health can make your company stand out and draw in skilled candidates who value a positive, supportive workplace.
4. Building a Culture of Wellness
To really see the benefits of wellness programs, companies need to make wellness a part of their everyday culture. That means integrating health into your company’s core values, encouraging leadership to participate in the programs, and regularly talking about the importance of well-being.
It’s also crucial to get feedback from employees to make sure the programs actually meet their needs. Tailoring initiatives to what your team really wants and needs will make them more effective and engaging.
Final Thoughts
Investing in your employees’ wellness isn’t just about being a good employer—it’s a smart business move. Offering benefits like Cyclescheme, mental health support, flexible working hours, and healthy eating options can create a happier, healthier, and more productive team. These programs don’t just improve employee well-being—they also lead to greater job satisfaction and loyalty, which is good news for your bottom line. In the end, a healthy, thriving workforce leads to a healthy, thriving business.