OmBody Workplace Wellness Programs Increase Employee Satisfaction and Productivity
Background
This report summarizes the survey results from an online focus group conducted by OmBody Health in an effort to further understand our clientele and impact of our programming. This focus group was conducted with 17 individuals who work across a variety of sectors in the workforce. At the time of the study, each participant had experienced OmBody Health’s programming through their employer for a length of time ranging from a two months to four years. The participants have participated in a range of programming, depending on what was offered by their employer. Those programs include onsite classes, one-on-one health coaching, healthy lifestyle workshops, on-site chair massage and access to an online wellness portal with health tips and progress tracking.
Method
The participants answered a series of 14 questions, including open-ended questions, through an online survey that addressed their overall physical and mental wellbeing since engaging in OmBody Health’s programming.
Results
Several key themes emerged from all who participated in this focus group. The key findings from these results are as follows:
Having access to wellness programming increases satisfaction with work. Over 90% of participants stated that their overall satisfaction and productivity has increased since having time set aside each day and throughout the week to take a break from work.
Utilizing workplace wellness programming significantly decreases workplace stress. Since beginning their work with OmBody Health, over 58% of participants stated that they are less stressed. One participant stated, “I am more productive at work and happier”.
Utilizing workplace wellness programming significantly increases overall health. Since beginning their work with OmBody Health, 67% of respondents stated that they feel healthier overall. Some participants elaborated on this, stating that with the wellness programming they are “able to get to sleep more quickly and soundly” and that OmBody gave them a “different outlook on how to become healthier”.
Having breaks incorporated in the day and throughout the week increases productivity. Over 90% of respondents said that breaks in their workday increased their satisfaction and productivity at work. To elaborate, one participant commented, “I wouldn’t have likely sought help for my stress problems had this wellness program not been offered through my workplace. My performance would have declined at a job I care greatly about, my personal relationships could have suffered, and my life in general would not feel as rewarding as it does today.” Almost all participants indicated that taking a break in the workday allows them to reenergize and refocus at their job,
Having an employer that offers a wellness program is very important to today’s workforce. Workplace wellness programs are of high value to employees. After experiencing a workplace wellness program incorporated into their schedules, 100% of participants stated that it is very important that their employer offers this kind of resource to them. One participant stated having a workplace wellness program is “absolutely necessary”. Another stated “Prior to the program, I was letting stress make me irritable, unsocial and unapproachable by my peers. I now realize that prioritizing me is helping me be a better manager and coworker.”
Conclusion
OmBody Health is committed to helping employers retain happy, healthier employees who are more productive and satisfied in their job. Through the results of this focus group, it is clear that utilizing workplace wellness programming does in fact increase overall satisfaction and productivity in the workplace. While it may not have been initially recognized as a need, participants indicated that they found the programming encouraged them to develop healthy lifestyle habits, reduce stress, and prioritize their wellbeing.