An employee wellness programme is often seen as a superfluous waste of company resources. And in instances where the programmes focusses on those already ill, this may be true. However, at a recent conference hosted by Discovery Health, in an effort to unpack the issues, it was discussed how best to employ such a programme and how it may benefit the organisation.

Firstly an organisation needs to recognise the need and the benefits of implementing the programe. This includes the realisation that these programes, if operated correctly, will be an investment in the organisation’s future and output than a drain of resources. Stress related illness such hyper tension, heart disease and neck and back ache can be avoided if conditions around the workplace are improved and secondly employees are empowered to deal with the causes of their stress. The aim therefore is to develop well balanced employees who are productive, effective and happy to be carrying out their duties. Misery can be a contagious disease if left unchecked.