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Employee wellness recommendations for nonprofits beyond employee assistance programs
Wellness movements have gained prevalence in recent years. Following the shifting tide, employers have begun to incorporate wellness programs into their organizations. After all, what better place to promote wellbeing than a place where you are typically at for 8 hours a day? Implementation of employee wellness initiatives is not only born of an employer’s altruism. These initiatives also come in response to ongoing challenges facing the sector such as high rates of turnover and burnout. Emphasis on employee wellness is an organization’s investment into the sustainability of the organization and their people.
As wellness initiatives have gained popularity, Employee Assistance Programs or EAPS, have also become popular. While specific data on the implementation of EAPs in nonprofits is not readily available, some groups estimate that as many at 98% of employers have an EAP of some sort. EAPs come in many different varieties, but the bottom line of employers implementing these programs is to address issues that their employees have that may be impacting job performance. Employee Assistance Programs support issues on topics such as mental health, family, finances, and substance abuse. While EAPs are a great resource, they should not be the be-all end-all of employee wellness initiatives.
Employee Assistance Programs mainly focus on mental health, but physical health is also an important part of wellbeing. Large organizations are able to offer their employees access to on-site fitness facilities or memberships to local gyms; however, this is not attainable for most small nonprofits. Alternate physical activities that organizations can provide include designated time for a walking group and sports leagues. Beyond fitness, organizations can promote healthy eating habits and nutrition through educational events or training. There are health companies that administer wellness programs for employers, such as Personify Health, which currently operates the Health Impact Program (HIP) for State of Arizona employees.
Other ways that organizations can incorporate employee wellness in their daily operations is through flexible work arrangements. Remote or hybrid work is becoming increasingly common, particularly as a result from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are other flexible work arrangements that working remotely. Employers should consider offering varied working schedules. For example, some employees may prefer working four 10-hour days opposed to the standard 8-hour work day five days a week. Sone employees may find themselves more productive earlier or later in the day and may prefer a schedule of 6:00 am to 3:00 pm or 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Giving someone the autonomy to set the schedule that works best for them satisfies one’s innate need for self-determination.
In a perfect world, nonprofits would have the funding they need to pay higher salaries and afford these robust wellness programs, but the sector is not a perfect world. Our organizations are built on the efficiency of dollars towards our fulfilling out missions. Though we may not live in a perfect world, nonprofit leaders can make the world better for their employees through wellbeing initiatives. Outside of the direct benefit to employees themselves, these programs also benefit the employer. Healthy employees show higher levels of productivity and engagement in their work. Better physical health also prevents health-based absences and lowers costs associated with healthcare and suggests retention of older employees. To ensure long-term impact and sustainability, nonprofits must prioritize strategic investment in their workforce.
Xena Baza is a Spring 2025 graduate of the Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program at ASU and a Certified Nonprofit Professional. Professionally, she works as the Senior Coordinator for Community Placements at the ASU College of Health Solutions. With a passion for community building and spreading awareness of the Pacific Islander culture, she serves as Board Secretary for Island Liaison, a local Arizona nonprofit organization.
Image by Lillian Finley
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