Among the most impactful elements of any benefits program is a strong focus on employee wellness. From mental health support to preventive care and fitness incentives, wellness benefits are proving to deliver a measurable return on investment (ROI) for Canadian employers.
What does “Wellness ROI” mean?
When we talk about ROI in wellness, we’re referring to the tangible and intangible returns companies receive by investing in the health and well-being of their teams. This can include:
- Reduced absenteeism
- Lower health claims costs
- Higher employee engagement and retention
- Increased productivity
- Improved workplace morale
And in many cases, the benefits compound over time.
Wellness and productivity: a direct link.
A recent report from Benefits Canada noted that organizations with comprehensive wellness programs see an average of 25% reduction in sick leave, and up to 20% increase in performance and productivity. When employees feel physically, mentally, and emotionally supported, they are better equipped to manage stress, stay focused, and perform at their best.
Mental health: a top priority in Canada.
We’ve talked again and again about mental health in our blogs because we believe it’s crucial to understand in the workplace. Mental health challenges are now the leading cause of disability claims in Canada. Yet, many employers still underinvest in mental wellness initiatives. Programs that provide access to counselling, stress management resources, or mindfulness apps have shown a clear impact on reducing both short- and long-term disability claims. Investing in proactive mental health support isn’t just compassionate—it’s cost-effective.
Retention and recruitment benefits.
A Glassdoor survey found that nearly 60% of job seekers prioritize wellness benefits when choosing a new role. For employers, this means wellness perks can be a powerful recruitment and retention tool, particularly in competitive industries. Offering wellness options like flexible work hours, health coaching, or fitness reimbursements can help set your organization apart.
Cost savings through preventive care.
Preventive health measures, like flu shot clinics, biometric screenings, or nutrition programs, can lead to early detection of chronic conditions and reduce overall healthcare costs.
According to the Sun Life 2024 Wellness Report, companies that implement wellness programs with a preventive focus experience 10–15% lower long-term health claims.
How to maximize your wellness ROI.
To get the most out of your wellness program, consider these best practices:
- Tailor your wellness offerings to your workforce demographics.
- Communicate clearly and often about available benefits.
- Collect and track data (usage, engagement, health claims).
- Partner with wellness providers that understand the Canadian landscape.
- Encourage leadership participation to model healthy behaviours.
Navy & Sage Benefits can help.
The message is clear: wellness is a strategic advantage. For Canadian employers, investing in employee well-being isn’t only the right thing to do, it’s also a smart financial decision. With the right approach, the return on your wellness investment can be seen in healthier, happier, and more productive employees.
If you’re ready to help your employees and fix your bottom line, call Navy & Sage Benefits. We’ll be happy to help you discover how your benefits package can be improved by including more wellness perks.
