The #1 Mistake Companies Make in Employee Wellness Programs (and How to Avoid It)

Written by Dana Wisniewski, Health Promotion Manager at AdvantageHealth Corporation

When it comes to designing an employee wellness program, many organizations start with great intentions—but often miss the mark. The #1 mistake we see? Focusing too much on programming and perks, and not enough on culture.

Yes, on-site yoga classes, step challenges, and healthy snack options are great. But if your company culture doesn’t support well-being from the top down, those initiatives will fall flat. Employees won’t feel safe taking a mental health day if burnout is glorified. They won’t use a gym subsidy if the workload leaves no time for lunch.

Wellness isn’t a one-off event—it’s a way of doing business.

To build a successful wellness program, HR and benefits leaders must first ask:“Do our policies, managers, and expectations support our employees’ overall health?”

Here’s how to shift the focus:

• Lead by example. Train leaders to model healthy behaviors—taking breaks, using PTO, and prioritizing mental health.

• Listen first. Survey employees to find out what they actually want and need.

• Align with culture. Integrate wellness into meetings, onboarding, and everyday decision-making—not just into monthly newsletters.

  
  

When wellness becomes part of your company’s DNA, participation rises, engagement improves, and ROI follows naturally.

Bottom line? A culture-first approach is the true foundation of a thriving employee wellness program.

Schedule a free consultation with Kristine Keykal to review your employee wellness program:

Email Kristine at kkeykal@advantagehealth.com to get started or call 612.823.4470 (select option “1”).

Let Kristine Keykal, M.P.H, co-founder of AdvantageHealth with over 25 years of experience, consult with you on your employee wellness program.

Since 2001, Minnesota-based AdvantageHealth has been delivering award-winning employee wellbeing programs and fitness center design & management throughout the U.S.