7 Ways to Encourage Better Employee Health

Times have changed, and work is no longer about turning up and getting the job done. Employee satisfaction is crucial, not only for office culture but to increase productivity. Many decision-makers and employers are now realising that having a healthy workforce enhances the culture too.

Unfortunately, many companies don’t encourage better employee health because they are worried about the implicated costs. In fact, promoting better health in the workplace doesn’t cost as much as you may think—and for the company, there are spectacular benefits.

How Healthy Employees Benefit Your Company

In the first place, a well-managed health and safety programme reduces the risk of accidents in the workplace and employees needing time off work. From a legal point of view, companies can lower their risk of fines and litigation. Furthermore, they can also reduce the costs of health care and insurance premiums.

With less absenteeism, companies are more able to keep on track with objectives and targets. Knowing that employers care for their staff improves morale and positivity in the workplace. In turn, this leads to reduced employee turnover, and businesses can spend less money on recruitment.

When employees are happy and healthy, they are more motivated. All of this leads to higher productivity. On top of this, the WHO states that having a healthy workforce is a crucial strategy in overcoming poverty.

Why Preventative Health Care is Crucial

We all know that prevention is better than cure—and this extends to the workplace. Not only is it better for the company image, office morale, and the budget, but preventing health issues will make the entire workplace healthier.

Some general preventative health care methods can have an almost instant result. Consider inviting a doctor into the office to explain some common health issues. They could also educate employees on how to prevent workplace illness spreading. Offices that have arranged in-house flu vaccinations or flu vaccination rebates have seen a reduction in workers needing sick leave.

Health care and health insurance are valuable incentives for many employees. If you can offer rebates or incentives on health insurance, your staff will be happier at work and more likely to see a doctor sooner.

7 Ways to Encourage Better Employee Health

What can you do to promote good health among employees? Let’s look at some of the best ways to get your employees healthy.

1. Healthy Eating

Healthy eating can reduce the risk of getting diabetes or various cancers later on in life. A bad diet, on the other hand, can lead to a 66% risk of reduced production.

• Make sure your office has a fridge so that staff can bring their own lunches
• Stock the fridge with fresh fruit and juice
• Invest in a juicer, blender, or even a toaster oven
• When catering for meetings or office events, choose healthy menu options

2. Expand the smoke-free law

The use of tobacco causes 7 million deaths per year. Although it is illegal to smoke in any public area, there are still things that could be improved:

• Create a no-tolerance smoking policy in all areas, including company vehicles
• Prohibit smoking at company events
• Encourage employees to seek advice and join quit smoking programs

3. Become more physically active

Exercise helps heart health, release endorphins, and with extra oxygen in the blood, people concentrate better.

• Encourage some healthy Fitbit/step counting competition in the office
• Start holding walking meetings
• Start an office sports team
• Install showers and bike racks for those who want to cycle to work
• Offer gym memberships as bonuses or incentives

4. Dedicate time to mental health

In Australia alone, mental health issues cost companies $11 billion. Employers should create an environment where everyone is responsible for the mental health of each other.

• Encourage open communication in the workplace
• Have a mental health policy that everyone is aware of
• Provide a counsellor or at least offer rebates
• Provide training on mental health issues and how to know what to look for
• Offer a meditation course
• Find ways to reduce stress and anxiety in the workplace

5. Prevent all day sitting

People who sit for most of the day are 54% more likely to die from a heart attack. In today’s modern culture, there is no need for traditional chairs and desks.

• Install standing desks and cycle chairs
• Encourage employees to take regular breaks away from their desk, including lunch
• Start a daily stretch program

6. Inform staff of health weights

A healthy weight is crucial for a healthy body and a healthy mind, promoting higher levels of self-confidence. Bear in mind—you should do this tactfully.

• Invite a dietician to talk about healthy diets and eating habits
• Provide information related to how to maintain a healthy weight
• Consider subsidies for those who participate in weight management programs
• As leaders, remember that being underweight can be just as dangerous as overweight

7. Awareness of alcohol intake

The problem with alcohol is that few of us are aware that what we consider an ok amount is probably too much. Alcohol-related diseases and health problems include cancer, stroke, heart failure, and mental health problems.

• Make sure there is information on the dangers of alcohol abuse
• Strongly encourage responsible drinking at company events and provide non-alcoholic alternatives
• Find ways to reduce workplace stress which can lead to excessive drinking