A healthy staff is good for business. Your business will suffer if your employees are frequently out sick. Healthy employees will keep your business functioning at its peak. They will also help you save a lot of money. There are a number of ways that you can keep your employees healthy.
Support Regular Physical Fitness
If you want to help employees be healthier, then you will need to encourage them to exercise on a regular basis. Studies have shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It also improves mental health. There are many ways that you can encourage physical fitness.
For example, you can ask about group fitness packages. Many gyms offer corporate packages that allow employees to get a membership at a discounted price. You can also put together a walking group. Studies have shown that walking 15 minutes per day can reduce the risk of all-cause mortality.
Additionally, you can invest in a standing desk or a stability ball. A standing desk can help a person burn extra calories during the day. Being sedentary can increase the risk of back pain. A stability ball may reduce back pain and improve spine stability.
Encourage Healthier Eating Options
Many employees will grab fast food during their lunch breaks. Fast food is typically filled with sodium, saturated fat, and sugar. You can encourage healthier eating by having healthy choices at the office. You can stock up on nuts, granola bars, and fresh fruit. You can also have a healthy potluck once or twice a month.
This approach can also be applied in situations where food is being given to employees as a gift. For example, corporate gift certificates for food items available at the grocery store. Employers can opt for turkey vouchers to ensure their employees are getting a low-fat choice of meat. While you can’t guarantee they won’t deep-fry the bird in oil, you do your part to give them a good source of protein, potassium, and zinc.
Encourage Employees to Take Breaks
It is not good for anyone to work all day without giving themselves a break. Taking small breaks during the day is good for mental health. It can also boost productivity.
Bring in the Professionals
Many people want to live a healthier lifestyle, but they do not know where to start. You can help your employees live healthier by bringing in professionals who can educate them. You can bring in health coaches, nutritionists, and aerobics instructors a few times a year.
Promote Work/Life Balance
Work is a source of chronic stress. Chronic stress and anxiety can increase the risk of high blood pressure. It can also raise your heart rate. That is why work/life balance is important. There are several ways that you can promote work/life balance. You should give them the option to work from a home a few days a week if that is possible.
Studies have shown that employees who work from are 13-percent more productive than those who work in the office. You should also offer more flexible hours. For example, if some of your employees want to leave earlier on Friday, then you should give them the option to work longer hours Monday through Thursday. If the company’s goals are being met, then there is nothing wrong with giving your employees extra time off.
Healthy employees are happier employees. Happier employees make the workplace better. You can keep your employees healthy by encouraging them to eat well and exercise. You will also need to encourage them to take breaks. Additionally, it is a good idea to promote work/life balance.