Professionals reveal their favorite wellness benefits

Woman running on treadmill at gym
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Picking the right supplemental wellness benefits for a workforce can be tricky. Employers have to ask themselves: What will have the most impact, and what will end up going unused?

According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 53 million adults experience a mental health disorder each year (anxiety is the most common) and 2023 data from the American Psychological Association showed that 77% of workers said they had recently been stressed due to their job. It's clear employers need to go beyond standard health insurance by adding benefits that help workers feel good and manage their day-to-day responsibilities. When incorporated correctly, benefits such as gym access, mindfulness resources and flexibility can improve employees' lives. 

"My team started using gym subsidies three years ago, and most still take advantage," says V.M., founder of a weight loss company. "The benefit means fewer sick days, better moods and efficiency, and client retention and referrals are higher when employees feel and perform their best. The benefit costs money, but the ROI in productivity, loyalty and healthcare savings outweighs it." 

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To figure out what benefits are best, it helps to hear from the people who have seen results firsthand. Four professionals at various career stages describe the wellness offerings that have made their lives better.

L.P., partner at a benefits company

"As a 58-year-old partner with over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, the best wellness benefit I've received is flex time. Working longer hours Monday through Thursday and taking Fridays off allows me to unwind, spend time with family and recharge for the next week. The impact has been hugely positive. I feel less stressed, more creative and able to provide better service to our clients. Flex time boosts morale, productivity and loyalty while reducing burnout and turnover. For our clients, it means working with consultants who are fully engaged and able to think strategically." 

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M.Z., head of marketing and finance

"I've been using the meditation app provided by my company since last year. I use it almost daily, usually for 10-15 minutes in the morning before starting work. This benefit has made a big difference in my work life. I feel more focused and less stressed throughout the day. I'm better at handling the pressures of juggling marketing strategies and financial decisions. The app has guided meditations for different situations — I often use the ones for stress relief or improving focus. There's also a feature for tracking your mood over time, which has helped me understand my stress patterns. 

I'd recommend this kind of benefit to others; it's easy to use and fits into a busy schedule. Plus, it shows that the company cares about mental health, not just physical health."

K.R., chief marketing officer

"I've had a great experience with a wellness stipend my company provides, which I've used to cover both a meditation app and a gym membership. I started about a year and a half ago and still rely on these resources almost daily. The meditation app became part of my morning routine, helping me stay centered before diving into a busy workday. On top of that, the gym membership got me back into a consistent workout routine. I go about three times a week, and it's not just about staying fit — it's also a huge mood booster that keeps my energy up throughout the day. 

Mentally, I'm sharper and more resilient when faced with challenges, and physically, I feel stronger and more confident. I've also noticed I'm better at staying present and focused, which has made me more effective in my role. This benefit gives employees the freedom to choose what they actually need for their well-being — whether it's mental health, physical fitness or something else entirely. Having that flexibility makes a world of difference."

Read more:  Do your mental health benefits need an update?

A.K., CEO

"I started using the wellness stipend from my employer in 2020. It's pretty flexible, letting me put the money toward whatever wellness activities I needed. I spent it on home workout gear, fitness classes, and a meditation app. I also used the available mental health support, which helped cover therapy sessions through a third-party service. I still use both regularly. I hit up fitness classes twice a week and use the meditation app daily. The therapy sessions come in handy during stressful times, usually about once a month.

The wellness stipend has been a game-changer for me. Having the freedom to choose how I spend it means I can focus on what actually helps me, whether that's physical exercise or just chilling out. The mental health support has been crucial for keeping stress in check, both at work and at home. I've noticed I'm more focused, less stressed and overall happier at work."

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