Let’s be honest. Most of us love our jobs (or at the very least, we love payday). But every now and then, I catch myself daydreaming about what life would look like if my employer really leaned into employee wellness.
In today’s fast-paced work environment, wellness programs have become more than just “nice-to-have” perks. They’re essential to building a thriving, motivated workforce. When companies prioritize holistic well-being, they don’t just boost productivity. They create a culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered.
Still, from where I sit (a little hunched over my keyboard, coffee number three in hand), I can’t help but imagine how much better things could be. What if wellness wasn’t just an idea, but something we lived every day at work? So, here’s my not-so-secret wish list. Dear Employer, please take notes.
1. I Wish My Employer Encouraged Fitness Challenges
Yes, I know steps and squats are important. But how about a “who can hold the longest plank during our Monday morning meeting?” Now that’s real resilience. And Boss, imagine if the gym was right next to the coffee and chai station. That would automatically triple my productivity.
Steps are good, squats are good. But imagine the energy if we had quirky challenges like, “who can do the most jumping jacks before we break off for lunch (ugali loading time)?” I’d actually look forward to that. Fitness would feel less like punishment and more like a team game. How cool would it be if wellness was something I genuinely enjoyed, like turning our weekends into something even more fun like a hike in the great Aberdare range?
2. I Wish My Employer Gave Me Nap Rooms
Listen, I don’t need fancy bean bags or mood lighting. Just a quiet corner where I can snooze without drooling on my keyboard. Productivity would skyrocket after a proper 20-minute power nap.
Picture this: I step into a cozy nap pod for a short shut-eye, emerge refreshed, and suddenly I’m a whole new person. Alert, creative, and way less likely to email the wrong client by mistake. Instead of battling the 3 p.m. slump with endless cups of coffee or tea, I could recharge naturally. I’d be a happier, more productive employee (and definitely nicer to sit next to in meetings)
3. I Wish My Employer Offered Financial Coaching
Because right now, my “budgeting plan” looks a lot like:
- Monday: healthy meal prep.
- Friday: three takeout orders and instant regret.
Help me save money so I can stop pretending avocado toast is the reason I don’t own a house. The truth is, money stress doesn’t stay at home. It follows us right into the office. If I had access to financial coaching, someone to break down budgeting, saving, and planning for the future. I’d worry less and focus more.
Imagine walking into work with a clear head because I’m not silently panicking about bills. I’d feel supported beyond just my paycheck, and that kind of peace of mind? That’s priceless.
4. I Wish My Employer Supported Flexible Work
Some days the office vibe gets me buzzing with ideas. Other days, I do my best work in pajamas with a mug of chai at the kitchen table. Having that flexibility would mean showing up as my best self, not the tired, just-surviving version. A little freedom to choose where I work would make me more loyal, less stressed, and honestly, as creative as a hawker finding ten ways to sell the same pair of sunglasses in traffic.
5. I Wish My Employer Encouraged Community Service
Nothing says “team bonding” like helping others. And honestly, it feels way better to have an out-of-office reply that says, “Sorry, I’m busy doing good in the world today,” instead of the usual “stuck in back-to-back meetings.”
Helping others isn’t just good for the community, it’s good for us, too. Volunteering alongside colleagues would build stronger connections than any awkward trust fall exercise ever could. I’d come back to work with more energy, more purpose, and real pride in where I work.
Plus, imagine the stories: “Sorry, I missed that call because I was planting trees in Karura Forest,” or “I wasn’t at my desk because I was serving lunch at a children’s home.” Now that’s the kind of wellness that inspires, because we’re most alive when we feel useful
In Conclusion…
Wellness isn’t just about eating vegetables or running marathons. It’s about feeling cared for, supported, and maybe even having a safe space to nap after lunch.
So, dear Employer, if you’re reading this—know that we notice when you invest in our well-being. And in return, we’ll bring our best selves to work (well-rested, financially stable, and maybe even proudly rocking our hydration champ badge in the boardroom.
Employee.
At the end of the day, employee wellness isn’t just about offering a gym membership or free fruit in the breakroom. It’s about creating an environment where people can truly thrive. When employers support our physical health, mental well-being, financial stability, and sense of community, they don’t just build healthier employees. They build stronger, more loyal teams.
And if that includes a nap room… well, I promise I’ll come back refreshed and ready to give you my best.