An employer desires a motivated and productive workforce. Promoting health is one way to boost productivity and morale at work. You should consider all options when you focus your efforts on health promotion. These options can promote healthy minds and bodies, increase self-improvement, and raise awareness. Employee participation is encouraged by senior management being involved in health promotion. Employee health and wellbeing equals reduced absenteeism as well as increased focus, efficiency and productivity. These are just some of the ways you can increase employee health and wellbeing.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP). EAP can be a valuable addition to any benefit package. Employees can have direct access to an outside party whose aim is to improve their wellbeing. This program allows employees to receive confidential assistance/advice with issues such as marital and family conflicts, financial concerns, parenting, or addictions. This support allows employees to concentrate on their mental/emotional well-being in order for them to perform better at work as well as home. EAP’s can be used to provide lunch and learns that cover topics of importance to the workforce. To find out the top topics that employees are interested in hearing about, conduct a survey. Use these to promote awareness.
Fitness programs at a discount You can partner with local fitness clubs and give employees a discount on joining the club. If you are able to create an indoor gym, with minimal fees and space available, this option is also possible. Set up both the in-house or shared program and schedule an informational meeting that includes a guided tour. Once they are fully informed, people will be more likely to move on to the next stage.
Go Green. Greening can positively impact your health and productivity. You can also cut down on costs and reduce waste. Going green will reduce the exposure of employees to pollutants which can have long-term detrimental effects on their health. In order to make sure your employees feel safe and happy, monitor buildings’ temperature, light, humidity, and pollutant concentration. You can also recycle plastics, glass, and electronics, as well as using green cleaning products and green lighting, and providing mugs for your employees to use.
Participation by employeesIncentivize employee participation on company teams and leagues. Employees can lead or create softball teams, and ‘walkcize’ programs. For events and practice, teams such as softball could meet after work. Walking groups such as the ‘Walkercize’group could meet during lunchtime to do 30-45 minutes of walk-and-talk sessions. This is a great time to discuss projects or network with others. Walking will encourage employees to get a break from work throughout the day. Employees will feel refreshed after a day off work and can be more productive if they take a walk. This is a win-win situation.
Charity starts at homeEmployees are encouraged to get involved in their local community by any company. There are many conditions that employees can help with. They also gain more knowledge about their own health, and are more likely to make healthy choices. This would inspire them to be proactive in reducing absenteeism.
An increase in productivity and happiness among employees can be attributed to better employee health. It’s simple, just think about it.