Employee expectations have shifted. Flexibility has moved from a perk to a prerequisite in how people approach work and wellness. From hybrid schedules to expanded benefits, employees are seeking choice. Wellness is no exception.
Why Flexibility Matters in Wellness
Recent reports show that hybrid work has improved health and well-being outcomes for many Canadians, as workers gain more control over their schedules and routines. That same desire for autonomy extends to wellness programs. Teams are more engaged when they can choose when, where, and how to participate.
“Organizations see more success when they take a holistic and flexible approach to workplace wellness,” added Kristen Gill, director of corporate partner and sales at GoodLife Fitness. “When employees have options that fit into their lives, whether that’s joining a live virtual class, watching a recorded session, or visiting a gym near home, they’re more likely to engage and benefit.”
Hybrid Delivery as a Standard
Before the pandemic, most workplace wellness was built around in-person delivery. While those experiences remain highly valued, hybrid models have become the standard. Digital, live virtual, and on-demand recordings extend access to every employee, regardless of geography or schedule.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on an exceptional in-person experience,” Gill noted. “But we also heard from our partners that recordings and on-demand sessions were just as important for larger, busier organizations. That flexibility makes it possible to roll out wellness content when it best suits employees.”
For HR teams, hybrid delivery also removes logistical barriers. Instead of pulling employees away from their workday for a full-day wellness event, companies can now spread content across weeks or let individuals participate at their own pace.
Meeting Diverse Needs
Wellness needs are not one-size-fits-all. Research shows Canadian workers are placing greater value on whole-person support, from mental health to nutrition advice and physical well-being. Employers that recognize that focusing on a range of needs leaves them better positioned to attract and retain talent.
Michelle Evans, GoodLife Workplace Wellness manager, explained: “Every person and organization has different goals, but what they all value is choice. Our partners tell us that when they expand wellness offerings to meet the diversity of what employees want, participation grows.”
Offerings most valued by Canadians today vary from movement and fitness to wellness education and mental health support. Evans says the top offerings include access to discounted national gym memberships, guided exercise and movement sessions, and personalized or group consultations focused on nutrition, stress management, mindfulness, and more.
Scalable Across the Workforce
Equity of access is another pressing priority. In a distributed workforce, programs must scale across office, remote, and hybrid teams, while ensuring consistency from region to region. National providers like GoodLife Workplace Wellness make this possible.
“Flexibility isn’t just about format,” added Gill. “It’s about scale. Whether an employee is in downtown Toronto or in a smaller community, they should have the same opportunity to participate in wellness.”
With a coast-to-coast footprint and digital delivery, GoodLife Workplace Wellness ensures HR teams can provide consistent wellness access to all employees, not just those at head office.
Embedding Wellness in Culture
Perhaps most importantly, flexible wellness reflects care. When wellness is built into the rhythm of work life, rather than offered as an occasional perk, it strengthens culture, reduces absenteeism, and supports long-term engagement. Canadian HR leaders are already reframing wellness as prevention rather than perks. Employees who feel supported are more productive, more loyal, and less likely to experience burnout.
As Evans summarized: “The most successful programs are the ones that fit seamlessly into employees’ lives. When wellness is flexible and accessible, it becomes part of the culture.”
About GoodLife Workplace Wellness
GoodLife Workplace Wellness is Canada’s leading provider of holistic workplace wellness solutions. From national gym discounts to customized digital programming, GoodLife Workplace Wellness helps organizations build healthier, more engaged teams across the country.