What Can You Incorporate Into Your Health and Wellness Program?
With the current situation that we are living with today, it is even more important to have a health and wellness program in place at your company. Not only is there a threat of COVID, but the pandemic has caused people’s stress levels to increase, tempers to flare and overall health to decline. Initiating a health and wellness program is one way to create a healthy, productive and happier work environment for employees.
Why should an employer create a health and wellness program? The answer to this question is an easy one. Employees that are healthier are more productive in the workforce and cost the company less. A health study showed that companies saw meaningful reductions in illnesses and reduced costs when the employees practiced healthy habits. This same study explained that employees were on average 10.3 hours more productive in one year by living a healthier lifestyle.
Today, we will discuss five easy initiatives that you can put in place at your company in an effort to increase a healthier lifestyle for your employees.
On-site Fitness or Facilities – if you’re not one of the lucky companies that has an on-site workout room, that’s ok, because there are other things that can be done. Providing a choice of sit-down or stand-up desk, initiating group walks in the afternoon, group stretches in the morning, employee discounts to a gym and my favorite ‘dance parties’ in the break room. Getting up and moving around is the goal! A great way to incentivize employee participation is by offering, for example, a Walmart gift card, if they participate in 5 group activities in one week.
Stress Management – Everyone’s stress level seems heightened these days. Many employers allow for time off to de-stress. For example, have a pool table or ping pong in the breakroom so that people can have ‘play time’, perhaps department competitions may be in order? Have a massage therapist come in and provide 10-minute massages or maybe an after-hours yoga class? There are so many things that can alleviate stress making for a more relaxed environment.
Snacks and Drinks – An easy way to help support a healthier lifestyle is by providing free snacks and drinks. Granola bars, fruits, bottled waters are great alternatives to offer instead of candy and chips.
Employee Assistance Programs – Offering free and confidential support to employees that may be depressed, having family problems or just need someone to talk to is another way to keep healthy and have a healthier mind.
Health Education – Host weekly “lunch and learns” with various speakers such as a nutritionist, a life coach, etc. This is a great way to show employees the benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle.
Once your program is in place, providing rewards and incentives to employees for reaching goals will continue to motivate them to do more.
If you’re interested in starting a health and wellness program at your company, RK Incentives can help you. RK Incentives has extensive experience in putting the right program in place for your business and providing the right incentive. Contact us to help begin this healthier journey for your company.