Its National Employee Benefits Day celebrate

Overview

April 2 is National Employee Benefits Day. This year, the focus is on Wellness 2.0 the movement to expand employer wellness programs to encompass all areas of total well-being: body, mind, wallet, community and work.

The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans encourages those in the industry to celebrate by examining ways to increase overall health, and offers some ideas for each of the five areas of well-being to help kick start a wellness program:

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Body

tFree or discounted flu shots
tSmoking cessation program
tChiropractic services
tHealth risk assessments (HRAs)
tDisease management program
tAcupuncture
tOn-site massage therapy
tWellness competitions such as fitness challenges
tHealth coaching
tHealthy food choices in cafeteria or vending machines
tWeight loss/management program (on-site or subsidized)
tNutrition counseling
tOrganized group run/walk events
tOn-site fitness equipment/center
tGym membership subsidies
tOn-site exercise classes
tHealthy food at staff/trustees' meetings
tActivity/exercise breaks during work time
tStanding work stations
tOn-site walking trails/paths
tEmployer-sponsored sports teams
tFitness equipment discounts

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Mind

tEmployee assistance program (EAP)
tMental health coverage
tCritical incident/crisis response counseling
tStress management program
tMental health assessment included in health risk assessment
tMassages
tMental health return to work programt
tGratitude/appreciation journals/initiatives
tEnd-of-life counseling
tMental health first aid training (i.e., training to identify and help individuals that may be developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis)
tOn-site meditation classes

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Wallet

tCompetitive pay
tComprehensive benefits package
tRetirement planning workshops
tNew hire orientation on your organizations retirement plan
tFree personal finance consultation sessionst
tProjected account balance statements and/or pension benefit statements
tRetirement income calculators
tBudgeting workbooks
tFinancial literacy education

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Community

tCommunity charity drives (e.g., food drives, school supplies, etc.)
tOn-site events/celebrations (e.g., wedding/baby showers, cook-offs, bake sales, department parties/potlucks, etc.)
tStaff outings (e.g., golf, tours, parks, bowling, holiday parties, pro sports games, picnics etc.)t
tCommunity volunteer projects
tBlood drives
tCultural/diversity initiatives or training
tThemed dress-up days
tGame leagues (e.g., bocce, cribbage, etc.)

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Work

tVacation/time off encouraged
tService recognition
tTuition reimbursement
tAll staff is notified of internal job openings and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply
tRetirement celebrations
tFlexible work hours/telecommuting
tPerformance reviews tied to organizational mission
tSubsidized continuing education opportunities
tManager training
tMentorship programt
tTransfers are encouraged when internal opportunities better fit worker interests
tLeadership opportunities outside job hierarchy structure via teams, committees and/or councils.
tWorkers can review job descriptions and edit/redesign their jobs
tCreative/autonomous built-in worker time (i.e., flexibility to spend a certain amount of time on independent/"pet" projects)
tStay interviews (i.e., periodic meeting designed to keep and engage talented workers)

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Its National Employee Benefits Day  celebrate