5 Ways Businesses Can Encourage Employee Wellness
Most employees spend a third of their day at work. Because time spent at work is so great, even small changes at the workplace can add up to a large impact on employee wellness. Some business owners may think of health as something employees should take care of on their “own time.” However, worker wellness is directly related to productivity, so it makes good business sense for employers to invest in workplace wellness. The following are five simple ways to foster employee health.
Invite Guest Speakers
A lot of health problems stem from lack of information. Although your employees likely have access to the internet at home, many of them do not spend their free time studying nutrition. Depending on your workforce, the employees may have simple questions like is oatmeal good for you or more complex questions, say, on the benefits of intermittent fasting. Inviting nutritionists, mental health professionals and others to speak during the workday can provide your employees with valuable information. Speakers can talk about anything from strategies to reduce stress in the workplace to how to shop for healthy food on a budget. Whatever the speaker discusses, make sure to follow up with your employees. Consider setting up a day or two when the speaker (or another medical professional) can stop by and have individual meetings with those who have more questions.
Provide Healthy Snacks
Many offices have vending machines and other less-than-healthy snack options. Fresh fruit may seem financially risky due to its short shelf life, but companies like The FruitGuys offer custom selections so that you can get the right amount of fruit for your office. Ask employees for their input so that you know what types of fruit are most likely to be eaten. Consider upsizing the office refrigerator so that it can hold healthy vegetables and dips as well as lunches that employees bring from home. Assign someone to make sure the refrigerator stays neat and clean to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Incorporate Technology
A growing trend in employee wellness is the distribution of fitness trackers, but there are other technologies available as well. Both ambient lighting and electronic displays directly affect employee health. Installing blue light filters on computer monitors reduces eye strain, and replacing fluorescent bulbs with softer lighting can create a more relaxing atmosphere. A quality HVAC system can help those who suffer from asthma or allergies.
Minimize Sitting
Office workers are at risk of cardiovascular disease from sitting for too long during the day. Encourage employees to take short walking breaks, install standing desks and encourage standing during office meetings. Consider allowing employees to take walks around the block together during brainstorming sessions. If possible, open a gym on the premises. The fitness trackers mentioned above are useful in hosting step count challenges. While sitting can be minimized, in most professions it cannot be fully eliminated, so be sure that office furniture is ergonomic to reduce strain. Ask employees for input when purchasing desk chairs.
Subsidize Healthy Activities
Some employees may not partake in certain healthy endeavors because of financial concerns. Even small costs can discourage certain behaviors. Offer gym memberships or a stipend for exercise classes. Consider splitting the costs of a smoking-cessation program. Not all barriers are financial though. Even minor inconveniences can stop a particularly busy person from engaging in healthy activities. Providing reusable, insulated water bottles and lunch bags with the company logo can encourage employees to bring their lunches from home. These goodies pair well with a pamphlet describing easy lunch ideas. Consider playing music or hosting fun activities to keep employees on the premises during the lunch hour.
Employees are generally the most numerous segment of a company, and addressing their health needs provides a solid return on investment: healthy employees take fewer sick days and are more productive at work. Additionally, when employees feel cared for, morale improves and the whole environment is more pleasant and conducive to work.
