There’s no doubt that millennials are one of the most health-focused generations in decades. Whether they’re training to run a marathon, choosing healthy food options at lunch, or making the decision to quit smoking, this generation is paying attention to positive and healthy habits.
Since millennials are beginning to see the workplace as an extension of their lives rather than something they just clock into from 9 to 5, it’s natural they would also want to make sure it’s a healthy environment. Add in factors that appeal to them, such as gamification and worthwhile incentives, and not only will the office be a better place to come to each day—it also makes the company more attractive to potential hires.
More and more successful companies are beginning to implement health and wellness programs that appeal to the Millennial Generation, as well as benefit employees of all ages. But when it comes to making sure a corporate wellness program hits all the right buttons for talented millennials, there are a few things they’re looking for. Here’s what they want to see, and what aspects will be the most attractive to them.
The Millennial’s Corporate Wellness Ideal
Employees are spending more time in the office than ever—and a large portion of these overtime office warriors are from the Millennial Generation. They’ve come to know the workplace as somewhere they’ll end up spending a lot of time, and so they want some freedom and flexibility to do more than just sit at a cubicle. Ideally, they want to stay healthy rather than sedentary, and they’d prefer to incorporate mindful living in the workplace.
This is a key area where employers can appeal to millennials—by creating a wellness program that helps them meet their goals, rather than simply putting a junk-filled vending machine in a small break room.
“Workplace wellness may be defined as any workplace health promotion activity or organizational policy designed to support healthy behavior in the workplace and to improve health outcomes,” defined an Aon Hewitt study.
“Participating companies might offer health education and coaching, medical screenings, weight management programs, on-site fitness programs, smoking cessation counseling, etc. They might also allow flex time for exercise, offer healthy options in vending machines, provide incentives for participation, and more.”
You may still find millennials who choose less activity and more screen time, but on a whole, this is the generation that trains for marathons, swaps healthy lunch recipes, and goes to spinning classes together. They find camaraderie in a positive lifestyle, and also use the competition of it to motivate themselves to go further.
Why not find that sense of community within the workplace, alongside the people with whom they spend upwards of 40 hours a week? It’s a natural fit for millennials, and they’re beginning to look for companies that also understand their health and wellness needs. They’d like to have a workplace that wants to contribute to their health in a fun and positive way.
Where Millennials Find Value: Culture, Social Connectivity, and More
There are few things that matter more to millennials than having a sense of community. Whether it’s a social group outside of the workplace or a posse of pals across the hallway, they prefer to do things with other people, and get a lot of joy out of shared experiences.
“A whopping 85 percent of millennials have a mobile phone, and 75 percent have at least one social media profile—demonstrating the value millennials place on having meaningful interactions with their peers,” shared Rajiv Kumar, M.D. of ShapeUp.
With more and more Millennials creating long-term friendships with their colleagues, it’s important for them to integrate parts of their active lifestyle with the social aspect of their job.
Taking Stock of the Little Things
Derek Kren is VP of Sales at 
