Employee Health & Wellness for Human Resources Professionals

Abstract

Employee wellness is about more than offering fitness programs or occasional wellness activities. It involves creating workplaces where employees can thrive physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally. As organizations face changing workforce expectations, growing mental health concerns, and increasing demands for inclusive workplaces, HR Professionals are uniquely positioned to champion employee well-being while supporting organizational goals.

This textbook was developed to help students and emerging HR professionals understand the many dimensions of workplace wellness and the role HR plays in creating healthy organizations. Throughout the chapters, readers will explore key topics such as occupational health and safety, mental and physical health, work-life balance, program design, implementation, and evaluation. Using Canadian examples, this resource encourages readers to think critically about how wellness initiatives can support diverse employee needs and contribute to healthier, more productive workplaces.