How to Engage Millennials in Workplace Wellness Programmes

Guest blog post by Derek Eastwood, Business Development Manager at Hussey Fraser, Solicitors, Dublin.

What are workplace wellness programmes?

Workplace wellness programmes typically address key elements of employee health and wellbeing, such as nutrition, fitness and mental health. Organisations promote healthier employee behaviour by (a) changing workspaces and (b) engaging employees in health promotion activities.

Developed in the 1970s by US-based corporations such as Johnson & Johnson, the concept of employee wellness has taken the corporate world by storm. While many Irish companies were initially slow to introduce health promotion programmes, we are now seeing more organisations than ever taking an interest in the health and wellbeing of their staff.

Why Is It Important to Engage Millennials in Workplace Wellness Programmes?

By 2025, millennials will comprise 75% of the global workforce. Currently the least engaged and least loyal working generation, it is imperative for employers to find a way to foster engagement among these younger employees.

So where does workplace wellness fit into this? According to one survey, 86% of millennials would rather be healthy than wealthy. Workplace wellness programmes allow employers to build engagement and improve retention by tapping into millennial’s desire for an active, balanced lifestyle.

How to Engage Millennials in Workplace Wellness Programmes?

The first step is to identify the particular pain-points of millennial workers. For example, in Ireland a growing proportion of millennials are struggling with mental health issues. Employers can do their bit to tackle this by developing a workplace culture that takes a positive and proactive approach towards mental health. Employers could, for example, offer stress management training or support a greater work-life balance with flexible working hours.

Learn More about Millennials & Workplace Wellness   

If you would like to find out more about how to engage millennials in workplace wellness programmes, why not check out the below infographic attached. It lays out a number of practical tips on how to adapt such programmes to the needs of millennial employees.