WELLNESS PROGRAMS IN STRATEGIC HR MANAGEMENT AS A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR ENTERPRISES

Implementing wellness programs in strategic HR management has gained prominence as enterprises seek competitive advantages in talent acquisition, retention, and productivity enhancement. This study explores wellness programs as an integral component of human resource strategies, emphasizing their impact on employee well-being, organizational performance, and financial outcomes. The study reviews international research on workplace wellness programs, analyzing key findings from American and European scholars. Evidence from empirical studies demonstrates that well-structured wellness initiatives lead to improved job satisfaction, mental and physical health, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced productivity. Despite these benefits, disparities exist across industries and regions, particularly in access to wellness programs in developing economies. Financial analysis reveals that mental health and physical fitness initiatives yield the highest returns, significantly impacting employee performance and reducing medical expenses. However, while valuable for mental resilience, stress management, and mindfulness programs exhibit lower financial returns, suggesting the need for targeted investment strategies. A comparative analysis between Ukraine and the UK underscores the influence of salary structures on the financial viability of wellness initiatives. The findings emphasize the necessity of integrating wellness programs into corporate culture, aligning them with organizational goals, and leveraging technological innovations for enhanced accessibility. The study concludes that investments in employee well-being contribute to sustainable business growth, reinforcing wellness as a strategic imperative for modern enterprises. Keywords : wellness programs, strategic HR management, employee well-being, analysis, corporate productivity, competitive advantage.