|
|
(HealthNewsDigest.com) – While it may sound silly, workplace health is a growing concern. Between counting on vending machines for sustenance and sitting for 8+ hours a day, it’s easy to see why.
It may seem like some ergonomic chairs and casual Fridays may be a good answer, but are they enough? Not by themselves. That’s why we’re going to tackle 5 tips to help promote fitness and healthy eating while on the job!
1. Provide Your Employees Free Breakfasts & Snacks.
If your employees are scrambling in the morning, they may stop in for unhealthy foods that ultimately slow them down and cause sugar crashes. If they know that when they get to work they have a healthy variety of fruits and fine bread to choose from, they are more likely to skip the fast food and head straight into work. This approach can also be applied to luncheon events with lunch catering from companies dedicated to using organic and farm-fresh ingredients. The same can be said for any kind of event gathering for employees where dining is provided. This will not only get your employees to work faster, it’ll help to keep them be healthier and clear-minded.
2. Provide Free Bottled Water & Water Enhancements.
Sure, just about every place of business has a water fountain or water cooler. But when you’re working at a computer, bringing an open container of water back to your desk doesn’t exactly put you at ease. By offering bottled water, you can encourage your employees to drink more water. This can also be achieved by offering free water enhancements like tea and flavor additives.
3. Start Up an Office Workout Program – or Two.
Whether you offer gifts or cash, you can hold quarterly contests for things like weight loss, steps walked, and other such traceable things. But you can also allow for 5 – 15 minutes of stretching and light exercise every hour (as recommended), or at least allow for 15 minutes of stretching and exercise in the morning and afternoon. This will allow health-conscious employees to get in more exercise as well as give those less inclined a reason to try it!
4. Consider Allowing Space & Time for Naps at the Workplace.
This definitely isn’t a policy for every workplace, however, recent studies have shown that napping at work can actually boost employee productivity as well as employee health. Cutting edge offices are already instituting napping programs. This is one of those that you’ll want to do some research on before deciding what will work out best for your company.
5. Provide Access to an In-Office Counselor
Providing a free-of-charge, on-staff, in-office counselor can not only improve your employees’ mental health, but provide a safe space for your employees to talk about troubles that may be bogging them down (resulting in poor workflow), and help to resolve any interoffice conflicts. This helps to promote not only physical wellness but mental wellness as well. Which, in some cases, can help to improve overall physical, emotional, and mental wellness.
Of course, adding air purifiers, hypoallergenic plants, access to natural lighting, and emotional ambiance that encourages a happy and energetic mind frame can all lead to healthier employees. But those are the easy changes that any company should already be making. These 5 tips will have your employees getting in shape and focused throughout the day!