How a Great Employee Wellness Program Looks Like

Boost Employee Health, Engagement, and Retention with These Simple Strategies

At the start of the new year, employees are looking to get back on track with their health and fitness goals. But it’s not just individuals—companies should be setting employee wellness program goals in the next year, too.

Workplace wellness programs are on the rise, and today’s workforce is prioritizing a positive company culture as much as a competitive salary. While many companies offer group health insurance, wellness benefits for employees are quickly becoming an essential part of any well-rounded benefits package.

Why? Because people want to work for companies that support a healthy workforce, invest in employee well-being, and foster an engaging environment.

Why Employee Wellness Programs Matter in The Current Market

Maintaining a happy and healthy workforce through a corporate wellness program has major benefits, including:

• Higher employee productivity and performance

• Fewer sick days and reduced absenteeism

• Decreased worker’s compensation claims

• Lower employee turnover

• Improved employee retention and satisfaction

There is no better time for employers to start or refresh a wellness initiative and transform their company culture in 2025—and the good news is, it can be low-cost and easy to implement.

5 Ways to Make Your Corporate Wellness Program a Success

1. Keep It Simple

Wellness programs work best when they’re easy to understand and follow. Simplicity drives participation.

Start small:

• Focus on two healthy habits, like 30 minutes of physical activity per day and bringing a healthy lunch to work

• Or try one monthly wellness challenge, such as a daily push-up, plank, or hydration goal

Once employees are engaged, expand the program to include more opportunities to earn points or track progress.

2. Appoint a Wellness Leader or Committee

To keep momentum going, consider forming a wellness team or appointing a wellness program coordinator.

Look for team members with leadership skills and positive energy—people who can rally coworkers and inspire participation. Give employees a voice in the program by encouraging them to contribute ideas or help select wellness goals. You can even rotate wellness leaders each quarter to keep the program fresh and evolving.

3. Be Creative and Evolve with the Seasons

Daily fitness tracking and calorie counting can get old fast. To maintain engagement, add variety and seasonal focus:

• Spring/Summer: Emphasize physical fitness—take the stairs, organize lunchtime walks, or host mini outdoor fitness challenges

• Fall/Winter: Shift toward mindfulness and mental health—try morning meditations, intention-setting exercises, or gratitude journaling

The more dynamic your program is, the more likely employees will stay involved.

4. Encourage Team Building and Community

Wellness is also about connection. Build community through team-based activities:

• Organize a healthy potluck lunch or host a monthly book club

• Start a team to walk, jog, or run a local 5K

• Offer non-work-related activities to strengthen relationships and improve morale

These experiences create opportunities for employees to bond outside of the usual office routine, which helps build a more connected and resilient team.

5. Incentivize Participation with the Right Rewards

To keep employees motivated, offer meaningful incentives that reflect what they truly value.

Examples include:

• Gift cards for massages, yoga classes, or fitness studios

• CSA baskets filled with fresh produce

• Company-branded swag

• Wellness-related gadgets or subscriptions

You can structure rewards as monthly prizes for top performers or use a raffle system so everyone who meets the minimum goal has a chance to win. Don’t forget: recognition matters too. Celebrate participants with certificates, shout-outs, or a “Wellness Champion” spotlight in internal communications.

Wellness Benefits for Employees Are a Strategic Investment

By promoting employee well-being and creating a workplace where people feel supported in their health goals, you’re not only improving company culture—you’re also investing in long-term employee retention, productivity, and satisfaction.

If your company’s next year’s resolution is to build a thriving, motivated, and engaged team, then implementing a employee wellness program is a smart step forward. It’s more than just a perk—it’s a workforce strategy.

Ready to explore wellness strategies tailored to your team?

SSA Insurance Services can help you design an employee wellness program and more benefits that go beyond coverage—supporting a thriving workforce in 2025 and beyond. Reach out to us to start building your custom wellness solution.