Every January, nearly 40% of U.S. adults set a new year’s resolution. Yet, despite the best of intentions, less than 10% of us are able to make them stick. But that’s not to say that setting a new year’s resolution is frivolous. In fact, people who set resolutions are 10 times more likely to change their behavior than those who don’t.

So, how can employers inspire and support their employees’ healthy lifestyle changes? That’s where employee benefits come in. Discover how to use your company’s benefits program to help employees achieve these five popular resolutions:

1. Get Active

With benefit offerings, such as a wellness program, gym membership, or fitness discounts, employees are armed with the tools and structure to get out there and make this goal a reality. Create friendly walking competitions and group challenges to get employees moving in a fun and supportive environment. Tie results to financial incentives or group rewards to boost success rates further.

Did you know? Exercise is a mood booster! People who exercise even two to three times a week are less depressed, angry, and stressed than those who don’t.

2. Lose Weight

Encourage preventive care visits to give employees a healthy head start. Once a baseline is established, it’s easier to know whether changes need to be made to achieve a healthy weight. More carriers and vendors are offering weight loss and obesity support than ever before—and some plans even cover Type 2 diabetes prevention and treatment options. If the company or plan carriers offer these services, get the word out early and often through email campaigns, newsletters, postcards, etc.

Did you know? Getting enough sleep can improve weight loss success. Plus, reducing weight can improve sleep quality. It’s a win-win!

3. Build Wealth

You can attract and retain top talent by celebrating the benefits offered to help them keep more of the money they earn. Be sure employees are aware of the company’s financial benefit opportunities, such as:

• Tax-saving advantages of HSAs and FSAs
• Income-protecting disability insurance
• Wealth-building guidance of virtual financial seminars
• 401(k) retirement investment strategies
• Tuition assistance and student loan programs
• And even financial planning advice often offered through the EAP

Did you know? 78% of U.S. adults lose sleep due to the stress of paying bills, saving for retirement, and rising healthcare costs. Relieving financial burden can offer benefits beyond the bank account.

4. Make Connections

Social health is an important part of our overall wellbeing, and many people decide now is the time to broaden their social horizons. Create a space for developing relationships that will help employees and the company thrive. Schedule time for team get-togethers, volunteer opportunities, or social hangouts to foster deeper connections and a robust support network.

Did you know? Strong social connections can lower blood pressure, cut the risk of cardiovascular disease, and increase life expectancy!

5. Stop Smoking

Most tobacco users have tried or have plans to quit. Set them up for success by showing the wide variety of benefits, resources, and tools available to them. A multitude of products, prescriptions, and programs are geared toward supporting this resolution. If your company offers a smoking cessation program or lower premiums for non-tobacco users, show the health, lifestyle, and financial impact these options can make. Don’t forget to remind employees to consider using their HSA and FSA funds to offset any out-of-pocket costs associated with smoking cessation products or programs.

Did you know? Pets also benefit when homes are smoke-free. Quitting smoking lowers the risk of a variety of cancers, heart disease, stroke, vision loss, and other diseases for the whole family—including your pets.

The Takeaway

Your company’s benefits might not be top of mind for employees when they set their resolutions, but this season gives the perfect opportunity to remind them that they can help. Whether through an email, a newsletter, or posters around the building, you can encourage employees to set goals and work toward them with their benefits supporting them the whole way.

Let’s resolve to help employees know about—and use—their benefits so they can improve their physical, mental, and financial health for years to come. That’s a resolution worth keeping!