While 63 per cent of employees consider health and wellness benefits when choosing a job, 29 per cent of employers still don’t offer these benefits, according to a new survey by OfficeTeam Inc.
The survey found 30 per cent of employees value ergonomic evaluations and equipment from their employer, followed by access to fitness facilities or programs (25 per cent), stress management resources (15 per cent), healthy food options (13 per cent), wellness incentives like offering prizes for engaging in healthy behaviour (10 per cent) and onsite vaccinations or health screenings (seven per cent).
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“As standards for health and wellness evolve, organizations need to be responsive to the changing expectations of professionals if they want to find and retain the best talent,” said Koula Vasilopoulos, a district director at OfficeTeam, in a news release. “Candidates are weighing job opportunities more holistically, including assessing the potential impact a role may have on their well-being.”
The survey also found health and wellness offerings are more valued by younger professionals aged 18 to 34 when deciding to work for an organization compared to those who are aged 35 and older. Furthermore, companies with fewer than 100 employees were the least likely to have health and wellness programs, the survey found.
“Companies that offer their staff a variety of resources to support a healthy lifestyle both in and out of the office ultimately benefit from a more appealing corporate culture and an engaged, productive and satisfied workforce,” said Vasilopoulos.