Wellness programs aren’t what they used to be. Many companies provide wellness programs tied to physical fitness. However, an increasing number are recognizing that wellness in the workplace also includes fiscal fitness and have expanded their wellness models to include programs which help their employees get their finances in shape as well.

Regardless of their income level, many families would admit they live paycheck to paycheck. The 2015 American Psychology Association Stress in America survey reported that money and work are the top two sources of very significant or somewhat significant stress. And employees who bring their money worries to the office often cost their employers, as they tend to be less engaged and less productive, spending an average of 20 hours per month worrying and dealing with personal financial issues.

“Finding a balance between caring and appreciating your employees through wellness programs may seem like a frivolous expenditure”, said Mechele Agbayani Mills, president and CEO of BBB serving Central East Texas. “However, providing programs which can improve an employee’s quality of life may actually increase your business’ profitability.

Financial wellness programs offer a diverse mixture of proactive financial planning tools which can help your employees better manage their money in both the short and long term and teach them that how much money they have is not nearly as important as what they do with it. There are many types of programs available, and whether you choose a classroom approach, financial education games or one on one coaching, wellness programs have many advantages which can help to increase your bottom line.

The following are some of the benefits of successful corporate wellness programs:

• Healthier, more productive working employees

• Lower stress levels

• Lower turnover / higher employee retention rates

• Fewer sick days

• Lower insurance premiums

• Protection of a company’s greatest asset – the employee

• Higher self-esteem and a greater team-building mentality

• Increased energy and vitality in the workplace

• A more optimistic, positive attitude

• A greater eagerness to succeed and lead

• Improvement in family life brings improvement into the workplace

• Greater community synergy, greater company synergy

Keep in mind, that regardless of how much financial education you provide to your workforce, ultimately it is up to the employee to alter financial bad habits and focus on improving their financial well-being.  As the saying goes, you can lead a horse to water…