Introducing Wellness Programs Early in Employee Onboarding

The process of onboarding new employees plays a vital role in setting the tone for a new hire’s journey with the company. It’s the perfect opportunity to introduce them not only to the corporate culture but also to key benefits that will shape their work experience, including wellness programs. When wellness initiatives are introduced early, employees are more likely to engage with them long-term, which can lead to improved health, higher productivity, and stronger company loyalty.

In this blog we will explore:

1. The Critical Role of Employee Onboarding in Wellness Program Success
2. Why Early Introduction is Key to Engagement
3. Challenges with Introducing Wellness Programs During Onboarding
4. Strategies for Effective Integration of Wellness Programs in Onboarding
5. Measuring the Impact of Early Wellness Program Introduction
6. Setting Employees Up for Wellness Success

The Critical Role of Employee Onboarding in Wellness Program Success

First impressions matter, especially during employee onboarding. Studies show that effective onboarding can improve retention by as much as 82% and productivity by over 70%. Introducing a wellness program at this early stage is crucial for fostering participation and making wellness a core part of the employee experience.

Wellness programs have become a staple in many companies, with 87% of employers offering some form of wellness initiative. However, simply having a wellness program isn’t enough – engagement is the key to success. The onboarding process is the ideal moment to introduce wellness programs in a way that captures employees’ attention and encourages lasting involvement.

Why Early Introduction is Key to Engagement

Introducing wellness programs during the employee onboarding process can have a lasting impact on engagement and well-being. As new hires settle into their roles, they are more receptive to company values and offerings, making this the perfect time to introduce wellness initiatives. By integrating these programs early, companies can ensure that employees understand their importance and begin adopting healthy habits from day one. Here are three key reasons why early exposure to wellness programs is essential:

Maximizing Early Motivation and Curiosity

New employees are eager to learn during onboarding. They’re actively absorbing information about their role, the company’s culture, and the benefits available to them. In fact, 88% of employees believe that a strong onboarding process helps them better understand their benefits package. By highlighting wellness programs early, employers can capitalize on this period of heightened interest and curiosity.

Creating Healthy Habits from the Start

Wellness programs encourage employees to establish healthier habits, which can lead to long-term benefits like reduced absenteeism and lower healthcare costs. Research from the National Library of Medicine has shown that workplace wellness programs can lead to a 28% reduction in sick leave, a 26% decrease in healthcare costs, and a 30% reduction in workers’ compensation claims. When employees are introduced to these programs during onboarding, they’re more likely to incorporate them into their daily routines from the outset.

Fostering a Wellness-Oriented Company Culture

Early exposure to wellness programs signals to new hires that the company prioritizes employee well-being. This not only helps integrate wellness into company culture but also improves overall employee satisfaction. According to surveys, 85% of employees say wellness programs improve their overall happiness at work.

Challenges with Introducing Wellness Programs During Onboarding

While onboarding is an ideal time to introduce wellness programs, it’s important to approach the process thoughtfully to ensure maximum engagement. Without proper integration, employees may miss out on the full benefits that these programs offer. There are a few common challenges employers face when rolling out wellness initiatives during onboarding, and understanding these pitfalls can help in creating a more effective, lasting impact:

1. Information Overload – Employee onboarding is often packed with essential information about the role, company policies, and benefits. Employees may feel overwhelmed if wellness programs are simply added as an afterthought. According to Gallup, only 12% of employees strongly agree that their employer does a great job of onboarding (Gallup Workplace Report). To avoid overwhelming new hires, wellness programs should be introduced as a key part of the benefits package, with clear explanations of how to participate.

2. Lack of Immediate Incentives – Offering wellness programs without an immediate reason for employees to engage can lead to low participation rates. Only 20% of employees actively engage in wellness programs when they aren’t incentivized. To combat this, employers can offer rewards such as discounts, gym reimbursements, or wellness challenges that new hires can access within the first few months of employment.

Strategies for Effective Integration of Wellness Programs in Onboarding

To fully realize the benefits of introducing wellness programs during employee onboarding, it’s crucial to integrate them in a way that resonates with new employees from the start. By taking a structured approach and using thoughtful strategies, companies can boost engagement and set the tone for a wellness-focused culture early on. 

1. Include Wellness in Orientation Sessions
2. Provide a Wellness Welcome Kit
3. Leverage Technology for Continuous Engagement
4. Highlight Wellness Benefits in Regular Check-ins

Include Wellness in Orientation Sessions

As part of the employee onboarding process, dedicate a session to explaining the company’s wellness initiatives. Discuss the benefits of participating in the program, how to sign up, and any rewards or incentives offered. RAND Corporation found that employees who receive wellness information during onboarding are 36% more likely to engage with the program.

Provide a Wellness Welcome Kit

A wellness welcome kit can make a strong first impression. Include materials that outline the company’s wellness offerings, gym reimbursement programs, mental health support, and any upcoming wellness events. SHRM reports that 41% of employees are more likely to participate in wellness programs if they receive detailed, easy-to-understand information at the start of their employment.

Leverage Technology for Continuous Engagement

Use wellness apps, online portals, or other digital platforms to track and encourage participation. IncentFit’s platform, for instance, allows employees to seamlessly access and track wellness incentives. This is critical as technology-driven programs see higher participation rates compared to traditional programs.

Highlight Wellness Benefits in Regular Check-ins

Don’t stop the conversation about wellness after onboarding. Regularly check in with new employees to remind them of the wellness programs, fitness challenges, and other perks.

Measuring the Impact of Early Wellness Program Introduction

To ensure the success of your wellness program post-onboarding, it’s important to track key metrics that reflect both employee engagement and overall health outcomes. By regularly measuring the success of your program, you can make necessary adjustments to optimize its benefits for new hires and the organization as a whole. 

1. Participation Rates – Track the number of new employees who engage with the wellness program in the first six months.

2. Employee Feedback – Use surveys to gather feedback from new hires about their experience with the wellness program. Ask whether they feel the program was sufficiently explained during onboarding and if they’ve had the opportunity to participate.

3. Health and Productivity Metrics – Analyze absenteeism and healthcare costs in the first year of employment. According to Zippa, 72% of companies that integrate wellness into onboarding report a reduction in healthcare costs within the first year.

Setting Employees Up for Wellness Success

The onboarding process is a prime opportunity to introduce employees to your company’s wellness programs. By doing so, you not only foster early engagement but also set the foundation for long-term health and productivity. Through clear communication, incentives, and continuous support, your wellness program can become a core part of the employee experience, boosting satisfaction, reducing absenteeism, and contributing to a healthier, more engaged workforce.

Ready to Elevate Your Employee Onboarding Process with Wellness?

IncentFit makes it easy to integrate wellness into your employee onboarding process and beyond. Our platform empowers employees to engage with wellness programs from day one, driving participation and creating a healthier, more productive workforce. Let IncentFit help you create a lasting wellness culture that reduces turnover, boosts retention, reduces absenteeism, and improves overall employee satisfaction.

Get started today by scheduling a demo to see how IncentFit can transform your onboarding experience and wellness engagement.