A person will spend an average of 90,000 hours working in their lifetime. This is equivalent to a third of their life, meaning that the working conditions they’re put under greatly affect their health. It also influences the quality of work they provide. After all, if they’re experiencing any discomfort in the office, it will impact the tasks and responsibilities they perform. This is why employers must take into account the well-being of their employees.
Below, we’ve listed the benefits of doing so, along with a few ways to get started on providing your workers with the best in terms of health:
The Benefits of Prioritising Employee Health in the Workplace
It builds employee morale
Taking measures to prioritise employee health will boost morale. This means that people will have a more positive attitude, outlook, and satisfaction toward the company. Not only does this keep them satisfied at work, but it can also motivate them to work harder and be more efficient. It makes them happier too, so they’re encouraged to help other colleagues fulfill their tasks.
It increases productivity
Retaining and improving employees’ health also affects their workflow and productivity levels in a positive manner. After all, having to work when they’re not feeling 100% can distract them and make them more susceptible to making errors. On a similar note, staying healthy means less time off, resulting in a seamless workflow that ensures tasks are completed on time.
It improves retention
Employees want to stay in a company that will provide for their needs and understand their situation. For example, if an employee needs to attend a sudden doctor’s appointment, a company policy that allows the flexibility to do so will increase their desire to stay. Knowing that their current workplace prioritises their health and well-being will increase their loyalty and intention to stay.
It maintains the company’s reputation
Potential hires and talents want to join a company that will prioritise their health. It shows the organisation’s values its workers, improving and extending its external reputation. The same goes for wanting to attract partnerships with other companies or even the government. Of course, they’d want to be involved with a company that has high standards for employee health and wellbeing.
Getting Started
Working in an office entails sitting for long periods of time. Because of this, employees can get back pain or stiff necks if they’re expected to work while not using the right equipment. While pain causes temporary discomfort, it leads to health problems like spinal disc injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome if left unaided.
This is why furnishing the workplace with the right ergonomic equipment is essential. For example, standing desk converters allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing while working. Other equipments to consider are wrist rests that allow for better posture while typing and ergonomic chairs that support the back and improve posture. Professional ergonomic assessments of each employee’s workstation will give recommendations for the right equipment, set up, and use.
Image Source – Pain Free Working
Employees can be vulnerable to stress and anxiety, especially when problems are encountered like project delays. These feelings of stress can impact their mental well-being, making them distracted or even discouraged at work. Supporting employees’ mental health through resources like coaching and access to psychiatric professionals is another step to take. This ensures that their mental state is good for work and that any concerns are addressed immediately.
Finally, checking in with your employees regularly will provide you with a better understanding of what exactly they need in the workplace. It’s a more direct way of prioritising their health by meeting their specific needs. For instance, one worker might request an additional program, such as a fitness app subscription, to add to the current health policy. Directly ask them through a feedback form or a personal meeting what other needs or requests they have so that the company can better provide for them.
Making your employees’ well-being a prime concern improves company reputation, builds morale, and increases productivity and retention. To reap these benefits, start implementing our suggestions today.
Article contributed to shapingchange.com.au by J Bayles