The workplace is like a second home for all employees. Creating a wellness program in place is important because most of an employee’s time is spent in the workplace. Statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention show that, on average, a healthy person loses three days a year, while an overweight or obese person loses five days. Without forgetting the productivity of the employees and the cost to the company. This is precisely why many companies are embracing ways of caring for their workforce. It is also one of the ways to attract talent, create bonds between employees and decrease employee turnover.
Good health begins with good nutrition. And what can be better than introducing healthy menu options for employees in the workplace cafeteria. It is a proven fact that time constraints often force the employee to eat the options available and that generally turn out to be the cafeteria options. An internal company menu in which employees must choose healthy foods and not resort to junk food is an ideal added value. Also, since many company profiles require travel, educating staff on what kind of food selections to make on the go, reading the label can go a long way.
Training employees to understand a healthy and balanced diet is a smart way to help them eat mindfully. Nutrition consultations, camps to educate employees on various aspects of health, such as portion sizes, essential nutrients, body composition assessment, workshops to discuss employee concerns, and evaluations health, would create an environment of awareness within the organization. Health updates through various newsletters or online updates can also be a fun way to educate them. Outsourcing nutrition experts to design a diet taking into account the employee’s likes, dislikes, allergies, lifestyle, financial situation, health conditions, blood parameters, age and gender can be a tool to motivate employees to take care of their health and fitness.
The employer can also do many fun-based wellness activities in the workplace. Regular medical check-ups and preventive wellness exams can be arranged to diagnose any health conditions early. Fostering employer-sponsored teams of athletes is another interesting way to bring employees closer to a health platform. Measuring distances in hallways and company premises to set walking goals for employees can make employees more active during the day. Many organizations also decide on a theme for the month, such as ‘no candy’ month, a ’30 minute daily walk’ month, a ‘low sugar’ month, or a ‘salt awareness’ month. that keeps the excitement.
On-site physical activities like yoga, zumba, and aerobics can be another step. Research shows that employees who receive these facilities handle stress better and can improve their work productivity. Finding out the rewards for top achievers not just for job goals but also for health goals can further motivate employees to work towards being healthier.
Occasional absenteeism is unavoidable. But habitual absences are the ones that can cost employers a lot and compromise the overall productivity of the company, and what better way than to present health and wellness activities for employees?