Some free ideas are banning smoking in the workplace and employee walks. Other options are to promote healthy options in vending machines instead of junk food options. For example, a company might charge only 25 cents for an apple and sell a cupcake for $1. You can set up a walking schedule for your employees with a pedometer challenge. The employer could provide a safe place to store bicycles and encourage employees to use the stairs rather than the elevators. Employers can also purchase healthy food for meetings instead of junk food and hold Weight Watchers meetings. The most expensive options are purchasing gym memberships and even building on-site fitness facilities. (Wellness Program, 2015) Benefits of Employee Wellness Programs Employee wellness programs are a great benefit to employers for many reasons. They can reduce healthcare costs, and healthier employees have fewer sick days. Healthier employees achieve a higher productivity rate and are absent less often. They also reduce injuries, workers' compensation and disability-related expenses. Employee wellness programs also increase employee loyalty and morale. (Wellness Programs: What Are the General Steps, 2015) Drawbacks to Employee Wellbeing