While researching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) I ran across an article by Smith and Alexander (2013) that talked about the wording companies are using instead of CSR.  I found it interesting when it was talking about Wellness Programs, because I am the Wellness Coordinator at my workplace.  When I thought of CSR I thought of much more grandiose things that companies were doing, not really about Wellness Programs.  Wellness Programs are defined in Smith and Alexander's (2013) article as being "A wellness program is a comprehensive health program designed to maintain a high level of well-being through proper diets, light exercises, stress management, and illness prevention."  (p. 161) 

I believe Wellness Programs are vital to businesses.  Not only are they good for companies to say they have them, but it is good for employee moral.  Last year I put on my first Wellness Escape at my work.  We partnered with the local YMCA to put together some exercise classes, some health and wellness talks, BMI evaluations, and had vendors come to talk about products and services that they offered.  This event was a huge success and the employee requested we do it again this year.  It was a nice day to just get away from the stress of work and have fun. 

As a supervisor I am seeing more and more the need to help my staff have better health and wellness.  When you are feeling good physically and mentally then your work productivity is much better.  I like to have some time with my staff at meetings to just reflect on the things that have been going on with each one of them.  This sometimes becomes a complaining session, but I think it helps free people's minds so they can focus on the new things we are about to talk about.  I do have to monitor this session closely that it does not get too out of hand or off track. 

Wellness Programs are important and should be utilized by all companies.

Reference:

Smith, K., & Alexander, J. J. (2013). Which CSR-Related Headings Do Fortune 500 Companies Use on Their Websites?. Business Communication Quarterly, 76(2), 155-171. doi:10.1177/1080569912471185