Maintaining the health and wellbeing of your employees is essential for a good work environment. Here are key tips for keeping everyone well.
Promote healthy habits
It can be difficult to fit a workout into an already busy day. A flexible work environment offers employees opportunities to get up and get moving; for example, walking meetings are one way to exercise while you work.
“Be mindful of the food options in cafeterias and in vending machines,” adds Jean Calhoun, corporate safety manager at Colonial Life. “After all, lunch is an important part of every workday.”
Create a comfortable workspace
One size does not fit all when it comes to work station setups. Consider giving your team members an evaluation regarding their posture at work. “Employees can benefit from state-of-the-art ergonomic chairs along with in-person instructions on how to adjust them for best comfort and support,” says Calhoun.
Make mental health a priority
Encourage an open-door policy so staff can approach you with any health concerns – including mental health. Make sure everyone takes their holiday and that work is adequately covered when people are away. “This will go a long way to keeping stress levels at a minimum,” says Liz Walker, HR director at UNUM UK.
Fitness bands
Wearable tech is becoming increasingly popular, with a growing number of people using fitness bands such as Fitbits and Misfits to track their exercise rate, the number of calories they are burning and their heart rate.
“If your staff have company smartphones you can download free or cheap fitness apps on to them,” Walker suggests. MapMyFitness is a free app that allows people to track their activity levels and food intake.
The bowl
If a subsidised canteen is out of your price range, you can encourage workers to get their five-a-day by supplying a weekly fruit box. You should also ensure there are adequate places for people to store and prepare food.
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