Four Easy Ways to Improve Wellness at the
Office
With insurance costs rising for businesses and employees,
implementing innovative solutions to improve wellness and curb
costs has become a business imperative.
Reducing the rise in health costs is actually easier than one
might think. Health at the workplace can be improved. Here are four
easy ways to improve the wellness of your organization now.
1) Encourage walking
Walking is probably the most underestimated type of physical
activity. According to health professionals, regular walking
can:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
- Lower blood cholesterol levels
- Increase bone density, which prevents osteoporosis
- Improve overall health and longevity
If possible, encourage employees to walk or bike to work rather
than drive, use the stairs instead of the elevator and walk during
their breaks. Offer flexible schedules so workers can commit to an
exercise routine. If employees take on these small changes, they'll
start to notice a positive difference within weeks.
2) Help employees butt out
Smoking is responsible for killing approximately 438,000 people in
the U.S. every year, and tobacco is projected to be responsible for
the death of 1 billion people in the 21st century. Additionally,
employees who smoke can significantly impact productivity and
benefits costs.
Tobacco is enemy number one when it comes to employee health,
but businesses can combat the problem with a workplace tobacco
policy. Promote a smoke-free lifestyle by showing employees the
advantages of quitting and by offering psychological or clinical
support to assist them. Consider offering subsidized tobacco
cessation programs that include prescription medication to reduce
the urge to smoke, along with telephone counseling and educational
materials.
3) Provide healthy foods
Supplying healthy foods that taste good will increase the odds
that employees will eat well. Businesses should consider replacing
the high-fat and high-sugar junk food from vending machines with
healthier options such as nuts, dried fruit and low-fat popcorn.
Consider lowering the prices of healthier options to encourage
employees to choose them. Add more water coolers so that employees
avoid sugary beverages.
It's a fact: Healthier employees will be more productive and
make less insurance claims over time. Business owners will also see
improved workplace morale and employee retention.
4) Help employees control stress
Stress is now the primary cause of long-term employee absenteeism.
Chronic stress is a serious health risk factor. Reducing stress is
just as important as a healthy diet and exercise. Counseling
services and employee assistance programs provide employees with
information and advice on workplace stress, as well as emotional,
psychological and personal issues. Offering meditation or yoga
classes is also a way to help employees combat stress.
