WELLNESS INITIATIVES THAT SUPPORT YOU IN THE WORKPLACE Katie Hunter AGCAREERS WORKPLACE BENEFIT PLANS ARE DESIGNED WITH YOU IN MIND. A COMPREHENSIVE TOTAL REWARDS PROGRAM, WHICH INCLUDES BOTH PAY AND BENEFITS, AIDS BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES. AS AN EMPLOYEE, YOU CAN GAIN THE RESOURCES AND SUPPORT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED, BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY. THESE PROGRAMS NOT ONLY ENHANCE YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING BUT ALSO CREATE A STRONGER CONNECTION WITH YOUR EMPLOYER, NURTURING LONG-TERM CAREER GROWTH AND SATISFACTION. More than half of employers in the recent Canadian Agriculture & Food HR Review reported that they use mental health and well-being programs to maintain and improve their company culture. And that positive workplace culture is the top way Canadian agrifood employers say they compete against other employers for the best talent. Employee well-being benefits are a critical piece of any benefits plan. Wellness programs offer fun and exciting ways to engage employees in healthy activities and encourage a healthy lifestyle. As our lives become busier, or we start to feel the effects of life experiences, people often appreciate and need an incentive toward healthy activities and self-care! AgCareers surveyed employers and analyzed key findings for our Total Rewards in Agriculture & Food Report. An increasing number of agricultural employers are offering a wellness program to employees, up to 42% from only 23% a couple of years ago. Of those agricultural and food companies offering wellness programs, offering a standing desk to employees was the most common element, followed by nutrition counselling and tobacco cessation programs. Because benefit trends are ever-evolving, AgCareers asked employers about any additions or improvements they plan to make to their current benefits program. Those looking to add specific benefits were most likely to increase paid time off benefits for employees. Paid time off programs are another essential benefit affecting employee wellness. Time off helps employees improve their mental and physical well-being, supports work/ life balance and increases their productivity in the workplace. In the recent 2025-2026 Canadian Agribusiness HR Review, approximately 40% of employers said they were using an enhanced benefits package (including health and wellness) to attract and retain talent. To find employers that prioritize employee wellbeing, look for a “wellness” program in the benefits or offerings section of their job posting on AgCareers.com. Apply, then ask about wellness initiatives and workplace culture during your interview! PHOTO: S-DESIGN – stock.adobe.com WELLNESS PROGRAM ELEMENTS OFFERED BY CANADIAN AGRI-FOOD EMPLOYERS: STANDING DESK NUTRITION COUNSELLING TOBACCO CESSATION 40% 32% 28% COMPANY OFFERED FLU SHOTS FITNESS CENTER REIMBURSEMENTS EMPLOYEE FITNESS CHALLENGES 24% 20% 20% HEALTH SCREENINGS HEALTH FAIRS DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS 12% 8% 8% GYM EQUIPMENT ONSITE FITNESS CENTER CANCER SCREENING INFORMATION 8% 8% 8% 6
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