In our last blog, we discussed the 5 benefits to employee health and wellness programs. More and more companies are beginning to understanding the importance of health and wellness in the workplace, even offering certain perks within this space as incentives when recruiting new talent.
It’s well worth it. As discussed in our previous blog, a recent study shows that approximately 40% of employees experience persistent stress or excessive anxiety on a daily basis in the workplace. And increased levels of job stress have been demonstrated to be associated with increased rates of heart attack, hypertension and other disorders.
A company would be nowhere without its employees. They’re the most valuable asset to an organisation. Therefore, it goes without saying that ensuring their health and wellness is of the utmost necessity, and should always be a priority to those in leadership in management.
Remember, the healthier and happier your employees are, the greater their output in the workplace: more focus, more productivity, more energy…the list truly does go on, meaning the benefits to your company are seemingly endless.
If you don’t have an employee wellness program already in place, or if you’d like to enhance your existing program, we’ve compiled a list of tips below that will help make a significant change in your employees’ health and wellness.
#1: Say Goodbye to Elevators
Elevators are a favorite but not so much for your heart. Switching this quick and convenient machine with a stair trip for at least ten minutes will burn up to 500 kJ. Isn’t it worth it? For extra motivation, set an example yourself for the employees to follow suit. We had great success in a business I worked for with a stair climb challenge. There were teams of 6 people, and we all logged how many flight of stairs we climbed in a month. It was a lot of fun, a bit competitive, and it got everyone out climbing stairs between floors–at lunchtime and after work!
#2 Bike to Work
Cycling is an amazing boost to your physical fitness besides being eco-friendly. Encourage your team to consider residing closer to the workplace to make cycling viable. You could also offer incentives for those who choose the cycling option. For example, offering trade-ins and purchase offers for those that choose to get new bikes.
#3 Prefer Actual Meetings over Virtual Meetings
Meetings face to face should be the preferred way of doing business in your company. Not only they help your workers establish better connections, but they also require getting up from your desk and reaching the meeting place, which allows for some necessary exercise during work hours.
#4 Keep Washrooms Clean
Make sure that your office washroom is perfectly clean. Washroom hygiene is very important for the overall hygiene level at your workplace. Nobody likes a dirty washroom, and a tidy one can even make people feel good about working in your company.
#5 Employee Health and Wellness Fair for Healthier Life
Organise and invite nutritionists, health and fitness experts who can share useful information to those who are eager to start leading a healthier lifestyle. Some of the topics they can start with include; managing work-life balance, healthy eating on a budget, and better posture and movement among others.
#6 Spoil Your Workers with Spa Treatments
A little pampering at the spa would go a long way in soothing your employees after a hectic work week. Give them a free coupon to the massage spa, on a monthly basis, for a soothing and relaxing treat. They will come back energized and stress-free, ready to take on the new week. If costs are an issue, then this can very well be simply a reward that employees receive when they achieve certain milestones or targets.
#7 Give Days Off For a Job Well Done
For the hardworking and loyal employees, reward their outstanding performance with paid leave. This is a great idea that will keep your employees looking forward to their next reward.
#8 Invite Families to Your Office
Let workers have a day when they can come to work with a member of their family. This can be a very interesting event and it will certainly help your employees establish a better life-work balance.
#9 Daycare Service For Parents’ Peace Of Mind
Working parents can have the hardest time focusing on the job if they know their babies are not in the best care. Take the worry off their shoulders by arranging for a daycare service within the office building. That way they can peek in on their young ones and have the peace of mind to work, knowing their little ones are in good hands.
Many of the ideas above can be easily implemented, so that your employees can immediately begin enjoying a workplace where their health and wellness thrive. And for even more ideas on ways to incorporate wellness into the workplace, take a look at this free resource, which features over 100 ideas!