How to create a small business wellness program that engages employees?
Employee wellbeing programs are powerful tools for small businesses, fostering a healthy, engaged, and productive team.
In smaller organisations, each employee’s wellbeing directly impacts overall performance, making wellness initiatives a strategic investment in productivity and satisfaction.
From team challenges to mental health support, these programs create a positive work culture that attracts and retains talent, transforming the workplace into a supportive, sustainable environment where employees thrive.
What is a small company wellness program?
A small company wellness program is a structured initiative to support employees’ health and wellbeing within smaller organisations.
These programs typically include resources and activities such as fitness challenges, mental health support, nutritional guidance, and stress management workshops.
However, implementing these programs comes with challenges.
Obviously, budget limitations restrict high-quality wellness resources, while a lack of dedicated personnel typically leads to under-resourced or inconsistent programming. Small companies may also need more tools to measure program effectiveness, making it hard to track health or productivity improvements, justify expenses, or advocate for program growth.
Despite these barriers, many small companies develop creative solutions to offer meaningful wellness options that benefit employees, foster a positive work culture, and contribute to a healthier, more productive work environment.
What is the average cost of small business wellness?
Average cost:
UK small businesses spend approximately £30 to £100 per employee annually on wellness programmes. This budget can cover essential initiatives such as workshops, online resources, or mental health support sessions.
The cost of implementing a wellness programme for small businesses can vary widely depending on the type of initiatives included, company size, and the level of investment a business is willing to make.
More comprehensive programmes:
As you go deeper into these programmes, the cost increases.
Additionally, digital wellness platforms like Unmind or Headspace for Work, which provide mental health resources and resilience training, generally cost around £1–£3 per employee per month, or about £12–£36 annually.
Free resources:
Free resources from organisations like Mind and Mental Health UK are viable options for small businesses aiming to minimise costs. These organisations offer online resources, guides, and downloadable content.
What are the benefits of investing in the wellness of small businesses?
If you have a small business, you can enhance productivity, reduce expenses, and build a positive, sustainable workplace culture by fostering a healthy, supportive work environment.
Still not convinced? Here are some critical benefits that wellness investments bring to small businesses:
1. Increased employee productivity
Healthier employees are generally more focused and efficient, increasing productivity. Wellness programs that address physical health, mental wellbeing, and stress management can help your employees be stabilised and engaged, which benefits the day-to-day.
2. Reduced healthcare costs
Small businesses can reduce healthcare costs by investing in preventive wellness measures. Lower medical expenses benefit employers and employees, making healthcare more affordable and predictable.
3. Enhanced employee engagement
Wellness programs show that a company values its employees, which boosts engagement and fosters a sense of belonging. When employees feel supported, they are more likely to be invested in their roles and go the extra mile.
4. Lower absenteeism
Healthier employees are less likely to take sick days. Wellness programs promote good health and help reduce absenteeism, minimising disruptions in small teams where every role is essential.
5. Attracting and retaining talent
Wellness programs can strongly incentivise potential hires and help retain existing staff. In small businesses, where growth opportunities might be more limited, wellness offerings provide an attractive benefit that enhances employee loyalty.
6. Improved employee morale
Focusing on wellness can improve morale, creating a positive work environment where employees feel cared for. Higher morale leads to stronger team cohesion and a more supportive workplace culture.
7. Better work-life balance
Wellness programs often include flexible options like mental health days, remote work, or flexible hours. These benefits help employees achieve a healthier work-life balance, particularly valuable in smaller companies with close-knit teams.
8. Enhanced company culture
Small businesses with wellness programs tend to foster inclusive, supportive cultures. A positive culture attracts employees who value wellbeing, helping you build a more cohesive and motivated team.
9. Increased creativity and innovation
Wellness programs that reduce stress and support mental health contribute to employees’ creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, fostering innovation within small teams.
10. Positive brand image
Companies that value employee wellness develop a positive reputation to attract customers and future employees. A strong brand image enhances a small business’s visibility and competitiveness.
11. Higher employee loyalty
Employees who feel that their wellbeing is prioritised are likelier to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover and associated hiring costs.
12. Greater Team Cohesion
Wellness initiatives often include group activities or shared goals, which can improve employee relationships. To maintain a robust and collaborative environment, team cohesion is vital for small businesses.
10 Pro tips to engage your team with a wellness program
Implementing a successful wellness programme in a small company can bring significant benefits, from improved productivity to a stronger team culture. Here’s a step-by-step guide with ten pro tips to effectively engage your team with a wellness programme.
1. Create a wellness programme committee
Forming a committee is one of the best ways to tailor small company wellness programmes to your team’s unique needs. Include representatives from different departments to help gather ideas, provide feedback, and champion the programme across the company. A committee also ensures the programme remains relevant and effective over time.
2. Survey your team's interests and needs
Conduct an anonymous survey to understand what wellness activities or resources would benefit your business most. Do employees want fitness challenges, mental health resources, or nutritional guidance? Knowing their preferences helps design a corporate wellness programme for small businesses that feels relevant and engaging.
3. Set clear goals and metrics
Define what success looks like for your small business wellness programme. For example, are you aiming to reduce absenteeism or improve job satisfaction? Setting measurable goals keeps the programme focused and helps demonstrate its impact over time.
4. Start a weekly or monthly wellness theme
Small businesses can benefit from focusing on one monthly wellness area, such as hydration, fitness, mental health, or nutrition. Monthly themes keep the programme dynamic and exciting. To maintain engagement, share tips, host relevant workshops, and set small challenges aligned with each theme.
5. Incorporate local community partnerships
Small businesses can benefit from focusing on one monthly wellness area, such as hydration, fitness, mental health, or nutrition. Monthly themes keep the programme dynamic and exciting. To maintain engagement, share tips, host relevant workshops, and set small challenges aligned with each theme.
6. Host team wellness challenges
Small business wellness thrives on team spirit. Organise challenges involving fitness goals, tracked steps, or healthy eating habits. Make it fun by offering small prizes or recognitions, such as gift cards, extra break time, or wellness-oriented rewards, to encourage participation and add a bit of friendly competition.
7. Offer flexible and remote options
Many employees prefer flexibility when it comes to wellness activities. Consider virtual yoga sessions, online mental health workshops, or wellness app subscriptions for remote employees. Flexibility allows employees to engage in wellness activities at their own pace, making the programme more inclusive and accessible.
8. Implement a "Wellness Wednesday” or monthly “Wellness Day”
Dedicate a specific day each week or month to wellness activities. This could be a half-day for employees to attend a fitness class, go for a walk, or participate in a meditation session. For a small business, even an hour off can make a big difference in promoting wellness without significantly impacting productivity.
9. Share wellness tips in internal newsletters
Include a “Wellness Corner” in your company newsletter where you share health tips, mental health resources, and programme updates. This is an easy and cost-effective way for a small business to keep wellness in employees’ minds and ensure ongoing engagement.
10. Celebrate wellness achievements
Recognise employees actively engaging with the wellness programme or achieving personal health goals. Celebrate milestones, whether completing a fitness challenge or committing to mindfulness practices. Small, consistent recognitions make employees feel appreciated and motivate others to get involved.
Our favourite 10 tools to craft small company wellness programs
With a mix of digital platforms, creative uses of free resources, and simple ways to gather employee feedback, these tools will excite your team about wellness while keeping things manageable. Here are our ten favourite tools to help craft compelling and engaging small company wellness programs.
1. Teamupp
Teamupp is a wellness app perfect for small businesses looking to enhance their wellness programs with minimal fuss. With its user-friendly interface, Teamupp offers employees access to fitness classes, mental health resources, and wellness challenges.
It’s a great way to keep wellness fun, organised, and trackable, also it’s very affordable (around £0,5 to £1 per employee)
2. Google forms for wellness surveys
Understanding what your team values most is crucial for a successful program. Use Google Forms to create engaging, anonymous surveys that let employees share what wellness initiatives they’d love to see. This free tool provides an easy way to gather insights and shows your team that their opinions matter.
3. Employee engagement boards
Physical or virtual engagement boards allow employees to share wellness tips, recommend books or podcasts, and celebrate each other’s wellness achievements. If your team is remote, consider a shared board in your collaboration tool where team members can post, react, and engage with each other’s wellness updates.
4. Digital calendar reminders for wellness breaks
Scheduling wellness reminders is a simple but effective way to nudge employees toward healthy habits. Set up reminders for stretch breaks, hydration, or mindfulness moments throughout the day. These gentle nudges help reinforce wellness without feeling intrusive.
5. Slack channels, WhatsApp groups, etc. for wellness discussions
Create a dedicated Slack channel, a WhatsApp group or group text messages for wellness discussions where employees can share health tips, fitness milestones, and motivational quotes.
Encourage everyone to post about their wellness journeys, whether a new recipe or an inspiring mindfulness habit.
6. Microsoft Teams or Zoom for virtual wellness classes
Use Microsoft Teams or Zoom to host virtual wellness activities, like yoga, meditation, or short fitness sessions. This tool is excellent for small businesses, especially those with remote or hybrid teams, as it enables everyone to participate in wellness activities regardless of location.
7. Mood tracker templates on Google Sheets
A mood tracker is a helpful tool for employees to check in with themselves daily. Employees can track their mood and energy levels over time using a shared or individualised Google Sheet. This visual tool encourages self-awareness, which is essential for personal wellness.
8. Canva for wellness programme flyers and posters
Canva is a free design tool for creating attractive wellness posters, challenges, and announcements. Customise templates to promote upcoming wellness events or feature tips for mental health. Visually engaging materials help draw attention and increase program awareness.
9. YouTube for wellness tutorials and tips
YouTube has free wellness content, from guided meditations to stretching routines. Curate a playlist of relevant wellness videos and share it with your team as a resource they can use anytime. This flexible tool helps employees engage with wellness at their convenience.
10. Trello for wellness challenge tracking
Trello is a fantastic tool for organising wellness challenges. It allows employees to track progress, earn badges, and complete tasks. Create a board dedicated to monthly wellness goals, where employees can check off completed tasks and encourage each other along the way.
Small business wellness: What ROI?
Investing in wellness programs for small businesses creates a positive ripple effect on both employees and the organisation’s bottom line.
Wellness programs help reduce absenteeism; OpenUp notes that effective workplace health programs can save 25% on absenteeism due to these programs. Wellness initiatives also play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent, as employees increasingly value workplaces that support their wellbeing.
This enhances team morale and loyalty and builds a robust and reputable brand image that resonates with clients and prospective hires. Ultimately, wellness programs are a strategic investment for small businesses, delivering enhanced performance and reduced costs.
3 Examples of engaging corporate wellness programs for small businesses
Here are three tailored examples of engaging small company wellness programs designed specifically for small businesses, featuring practical templates, team activities, and a versatile wellness app to keep everything organised.
1. Monthly wellness challenge series
Small company wellness programs can benefit from a fun monthly challenge series where each month focuses on a different theme, such as hydration, stress management, or fitness. Set weekly goals and encourage employees to participate in friendly challenges, like a daily step count or “hydration tracker” goal.
2. Weekly “Wellness Wednesdays”
Dedicate one hour each Wednesday to wellness activities, a simple approach that works well for corporate wellness programs for small businesses. Offer virtual options like yoga, meditation sessions, or mental health workshops so remote or in-office employees can participate easily.
Incorporate Teamupp to send reminders, track attendance, and provide accessible resources like guided meditation sessions. This consistent but flexible approach encourages employees to prioritise wellness in an achievable, low-pressure way.
3. Healthy habits and nutrition program
A 6-week nutrition-focused program is ideal for small business wellness. Share a weekly wellness tip or activity, such as “meal prep basics” or “smart snack swaps.” Provide short, interactive video tutorials or invite a nutrition expert for a virtual Q&A.
Encourage team members to log their meals or set personal goals in Teamupp, creating a collaborative space where employees can share recipes and meal ideas.
Now that you know about the tools to use and examples of corporate wellness programs, it is important to know that investing in an employee wellness program, even just a little bit, can have a massive effect on your workplace.
Start building a wellness program and see the positive impact on your team and company culture. Discover our wellness and QWL solution!
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