Employee wellness isn’t just about ensuring your workers aren’t getting hurt or that they’re not absent from work because of illness. It’s also about cultivating an environment where your employees feel good about their jobs and their potential for success in their careers, both with you and outside your company.
As an employer, there are some things you can do to promote employee wellness in your workplace. An unhealthy worker isn’t just less productive—they’re also more likely to create health risks for other employees. That’s why fostering a culture of employee wellness is so important. By helping workers avoid illnesses and take care of their health, you can protect your business from having sick employees spreading germs. Ensure your employees are taking care of themselves physically and mentally at work by promoting employee wellness in these six ways.
Offer Healthy Snacks
It can be difficult for employees to make healthy choices if they don’t have many options available. Stock your kitchen with fruit, nuts, carrots, and other healthy snacks that don’t come out of a vending machine. Keep them in an area where everyone has access. This way, even people who aren’t actively trying to eat better will grab a handful of nuts here and there when they get hungry during their workday. It is also one more way to promote collaboration and team building. If employees work together towards a common goal, it fosters great relationships among staff members.
Promote Walking Breaks
Walking is a great way to boost your energy levels, keep your mood positive, and burn off extra calories. Rather than squeezing in an extra break between meetings or work tasks, encourage employees to make walking breaks a part of their daily routine. You could even go as far as offering incentives for completing X number of walking breaks each day. Employees can walk outside or around your office building—whatever they prefer. Just remember that regular activity is vital, so even five-minute walks can add up over time.
Provide Gym Equipment
Providing employees with free gym access is a great way to promote employee wellness. A new study found that companies that offer free gym memberships had lower sick days among employees than companies that didn’t. If your company doesn’t have a gym or room for one, look into setting up a small exercise room. Some companies add exercise rooms and sometimes even yoga studios to create a healthier work environment.
Organize Charity Events at Work
To promote employee wellness, organize charity events in your office where employees can get together and have fun with their coworkers. They’ll feel better about work and be more dedicated to helping you meet your business goals. Running a charity event at work is also an excellent way for your business to give back. If your workplace doesn’t allow you to raise money for charitable causes, consider having bake sales instead. Most charities will accept baked goods or cookbooks that refer to the organization; just check with them first.
Encourage Eating Out Together
Workplaces with a strong sense of community tend to see lower stress levels, fewer health complaints, and increased employee satisfaction. One great way to foster these feelings is by encouraging employees to get out together over lunch or dinner regularly. It will help them feel more connected while eating healthier and enjoying their work more.
It’s also an opportunity for you to take time out from being tied at your desk. If you have an office with multiple teams who don’t often interact, try hosting a potluck. It can be an excellent way to make your employees socialize with other departments and make new friends.
Make a Relaxing Environment
It does not just exercise and eat right. Sometimes a change of scenery can make all the difference. If you have an open office plan, implement noise-canceling headphones or plants. You should also choose the right furniture for your work environment. Install workstations that don’t demand hours of sitting without movement are better for your employees’ bodies than desks with poor ergonomics. Offer comfortable seats in the lobby and provide sofas or bean bags for a casual, chatty setting. Add soft pillows with the best cushions for sleep and relaxation. You can find cushions online that add not only comfort but also a designer look.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a healthy work environment isn’t just good for morale; it’s also good for business. Not only will a wellness plan boost your employee’s work ethic and productivity, but it can help you cut down on costs.