HR policies on employee wellbeing (with examples and templates)
Discover how to create effective HR policies on employee wellbeing with real-world examples and free downloadable templates to support a healthier workplace.
Employee wellbeing is no longer a "nice-to-have", it’s a business priority. Organizations that prioritize wellbeing see better engagement, reduced turnover, and improved productivity. As an HR leader, having clear policies that support wellbeing is critical for building a culture where employees can thrive.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What employee wellbeing means in the workplace
- Why HR policies on wellbeing matter
- Key elements of an employee wellbeing policy
- Real-world examples of wellbeing policies
- Free downloadable templates to help you get started
Let’s dive in.
What Is Employee Wellbeing in the Workplace?
Employee wellbeing refers to the overall mental, physical, emotional, and financial health of your workforce. It’s influenced by workplace culture, workload, leadership support, flexibility, recognition, and access to resources.
Modern wellbeing initiatives go beyond traditional benefits. They focus on creating a work environment that actively supports people to feel good and do their best work.
Why HR Policies on Wellbeing Matter
Creating clear HR policies around wellbeing:
- Shows commitment to employee health and happiness
- Sets standards for behavior, expectations, and support
- Helps prevent burnout, absenteeism, and disengagement
- Aligns your company with modern expectations for a people-first culture
- Supports compliance with occupational health standards
Companies that invest in wellbeing programs see up to 25% lower turnover and higher employee satisfaction, according to Gallup.
6 Key Elements of an Effective Employee Wellbeing Policy
Here’s what a strong wellbeing policy should include:
1. Purpose Statement
Explain why employee wellbeing matters to your company and how it aligns with your values.
Example: "At [Company Name], we believe that supporting the wellbeing of our employees is essential to long-term success and a thriving workplace culture."
2. Scope of the Policy
Define who the policy applies to (e.g. full-time, part-time, remote, hybrid employees).
3. Wellbeing Areas Covered
Include physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Examples:
- Flexible working hours
- Mental health days
- Free counseling sessions
- Gym memberships or wellness stipends
4. Available Resources
Clearly list what’s offered, how to access it, and who to contact.
Example: “Employees can access 6 free therapy sessions per year via our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). To book, email hr@company.com.”
5. Manager Responsibilities
Explain how leaders should support wellbeing, including check-ins, accommodations, and promoting a healthy culture.
6. Confidentiality and Support
Reassure employees that any health-related discussions will be handled with care and confidentiality.
Real-world examples of wellbeing policies
| Policy Name | Policy Industry | Company Source |
|---|---|---|
Mental Health & Wellness | B2B | https://humanmade.com/ (51-100 employees, stage Bootstrapped) |
Working Remotely & Taking Care of Yourself | Developer tools | https://www.checklyhq.com/ (11-50 employees, stage Series A) |
Periods at work | Learning & DevelopmentB2BSaaS | https://www.learnerbly.com/ (51-100 employees, stage Series A) |
Wellbeing | Learning & DevelopmentB2BSaaS | https://www.learnerbly.com/ (51-100 employees, stage Series A) |
Self-care | B2BEoRHR | https://remote.com/ (501-1000 employees, stage Series C) |
Wellness | Consulting | https://www.deeson.co.uk/ (11-50 employees, stage Established) |
Reproductive Health and Wellbeing | B2BEoRHR | https://remote.com/ (501-1000 employees, stage Series C) |
Mental Health Policy | HRB2BSaaS | https://www.charliehr.com/ (11-50 employees, stage Early Stage / Seed) |
Women's health | B2BContractCompliance | https://juro.com/ (51-100 employees, stage Series B) |
Mental Health | AIDeveloper tools | https://sourcegraph.com/ (101-250 employees, stage Established) |
Free Employee Wellbeing Policy Template (Copy or Download)
Here’s a ready-to-use policy template you can adapt for your team.
📄 Employee Wellbeing Policy Template
Policy Name: Employee Wellbeing Policy
Effective Date: [Insert Date]
Applies To: All [Company Name] employees
1. Purpose
We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our employees across all dimensions—physical, mental, emotional, and financial.
2. Our Commitment
We aim to foster a healthy and inclusive environment where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to care for their wellbeing.
3. What’s Covered
- Mental Health Support (EAP, mental health days)
- Flexible Working Hours and Remote Work
- Health Benefits (insurance, gym memberships)
- Wellbeing Allowance: $[Amount] per year
- Annual Wellbeing Survey to track progress
4. How to Access Resources
Reach out to HR at [email] or visit our internal HR portal for forms and links.
5. Confidentiality
All wellbeing-related information is confidential and handled with sensitivity.
6. Roles & Responsibilities
Managers should regularly check in with team members and encourage the use of wellbeing resources.
Final Thoughts
Building HR policies focused on employee wellbeing isn’t just about checking a box. It’s about showing employees they matter, not just as workers, but as people.
With a strong wellbeing policy, your organization can cultivate a more resilient, engaged, and motivated team.
