8 Ways to Ensure Wellness Initiatives Are Inclusive
To understand how companies can make wellness initiatives more inclusive, we’ve gathered insights from eight professionals, including founders and other people leaders. From implementing anonymous surveys for feedback to using inclusive language in fertility plans, these experts share their experiences and strategies to cater to the diverse needs of the workforce.
- Implement Anonymous Surveys for Feedback
- Understand and Cater to Diverse Wellness Needs
- Prioritize Customization and Choice in Wellness Programs
- Integrate Employee Health Forums for Feedback
- Ask Staff for Wellness Initiative Preferences
- Design Wellness Programs for Unique Needs
- Form Employee Resource Groups for Customization
- Use Inclusive Language in Fertility Plans
Implement Anonymous Surveys for Feedback
In my opinion, it is essential for companies to first conduct a thorough assessment of their workforce’s diversity, considering factors such as age, gender, cultural background, and abilities.
In my experience, I have always found that an anonymous survey is one way of getting honest and open feedback from employees.
For example, in a former role as a middle manager, we implemented an anonymous survey to understand the specific wellness needs of our diverse team.
The results revealed a range of preferences, from fitness classes and craft workshops to mental health support. This insight guided the development of inclusive wellness programs that accommodated various needs, such as offering virtual workout sessions, mindfulness workshops, and access to counseling services.
The feedback loop from these surveys helped shape initiatives that resonated with our diverse workforce, fostering a culture of well-being that everyone could actively participate in and benefit from.
Katharine Gallagher
Personal and Professional Growth Expert, katharinegallagher.com
Understand and Cater to Diverse Wellness Needs
Just as we have different tastes in food and fashion, we also have different wellness needs and preferences.
Think of it this way: if you have a team member who’s an avid runner, a yoga class might not be their cup of tea. Similarly, if someone is struggling with mental health, a meditation app or counseling service may be more beneficial. This is where a thorough understanding of your employees’ wellness challenges comes in handy. This can be found through anonymous surveys.
A company I once worked with found, through a survey, that many of their employees were dealing with stress. So, they introduced mindfulness workshops and flexible work schedules, and it worked wonders for morale and productivity.
And don’t forget about the little things, like offering wellness resources in multiple languages or accommodating dietary needs. These kinds of details can make a world of difference in making everyone feel included and cared for.
John White
MBA – Owner, White Fox Cleaning Services
Prioritize Customization and Choice in Wellness Programs
The key to inclusive wellness initiatives is to prioritize customization and choice. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, companies should allow employees to tailor their wellness programs to meet their diverse needs.
One effective example I’ve witnessed is providing a wellness stipend or allowance. This empowers employees to choose the wellness activities or services that resonate with them, whether it’s gym memberships, mental health counseling, nutrition coaching, or mindfulness apps. By offering this financial flexibility, companies acknowledge the uniqueness of each employee’s wellness journey.
Furthermore, ensuring diverse representation in wellness program planning is crucial. Different individuals may have distinct needs based on their age, gender, cultural background, or physical abilities.
Bruno Gavino
Founder, CEO, CodeDesign
Integrate Employee Health Forums for Feedback
As a CEO, I have fostered inclusivity in our wellness initiatives by integrating Employee Health Forums. Here, employees voice their wellness expectations and concerns. For instance, our vegetarian and vegan colleagues felt left out during our monthly pizza lunches.
Now, we ensure to include plant-based options. We also introduced virtual stress-management sessions for those feeling the pressure of work-from-home situations. The key to inclusive wellness is being open to diverse viewpoints, creating platforms for feedback, and acting on it.
Abid Salahi
Co-Founder and CEO, FinlyWealth
Ask Staff for Wellness Initiative Preferences
Something a lot of business owners don’t consider is to ask their staff what they actually want from wellness initiatives, rather than just assuming that all staff members would want (or even want to use) the same or similar programs. It’s also a great way of outlining necessities based on staff requirements and ensuring all aspects are covered within either a broader or an individual plan.
Tracey Beveridge
HR Director, Personnel Checks
Design Wellness Programs for Unique Needs
Well-designed wellness programs consider the unique needs of the workforce, considering that the employee often isn’t the only end user.
You should customize offerings based on demographic data, but to maintain balance, you should also provide alternatives for employees who do not need certain benefits. For example, offer a non-prescription sunglasses allowance with your vision benefits for people who already see well, or when introducing family-forming coverage, offer employees who already have children or fertility challenges, child care or adoption support.
For financial benefits, consider the employees’ life stage. People entering the workforce can benefit from tuition reimbursement or student loan repayment assistance, while older employees would appreciate a generous health savings account or retirement contribution.
By tailoring wellness programs to these considerations, you create a comprehensive portfolio that supports the diverse needs of your employees and their families.
Tyren Thompson
Global Retirement Planning and Financial Wellness Manager, Zoom
Form Employee Resource Groups for Customization
At Precondo, we have taken steps to cater to the diverse needs of our workforce by offering a range of wellness activities and resources. One impactful initiative we introduced was the formation of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). These groups are designed to bring together employees who share common interests, backgrounds, or goals.
For instance, we have an ERG dedicated to mental health and well-being, where employees can participate in open discussions, mindfulness sessions, and access resources tailored to mental health support. Additionally, we have another ERG focused on physical fitness, organizing activities like group hikes, virtual workout sessions, and sports events catering to different fitness levels and preferences.
By creating these ERGs, we ensure that our wellness initiatives are not one-size-fits-all but rather customized to meet the specific needs and interests of our diverse workforce.
Samantha Odo
Real Estate Sales Representative and Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
Use Inclusive Language in Fertility Plans
Fertility plans are now becoming one of the most sought-after wellness benefits. When presenting your employees with them, it’s vital to use inclusive language.
Modern organizations are mindful of a diverse workforce in their companies. Yet, there is still space for improvement regarding wording the benefits. A tip I can highly recommend is to emphasize the family plan’s accessibility to members of the LGBTQ+ community and single parents.
Consequently, we must be very direct when stating which options are available. Are donor-assisted reproduction, support in adoption, or emotional support provided? If so, remember to put it on paper.
Appealing to employees of different backgrounds is a crucial part of putting into practice the rules of diversity and inclusion. It is even more relevant when we want to support them in family planning, which must be approached empathetically.
Martyna Szcześniak, Community Expert, MyPerfectResume
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