Never overlook the value of employee health. When you encourage your staff to eat right and exercise, you aren’t just helping them. You’re setting the stage for higher productivity, lower health costs, and fewer sick days, saving you money on multiple fronts. You should take every opportunity to promote health and fitness in the workplace. To do that effectively while treating all of your employees as equals, don’t forget to:
Make It Fun
Fun is far and away the most important part of a successful fitness program. If your employees enjoy exercising and eating right, not only will they participate in the program at work, but they’ll keep making healthy choices in their free time as well. You should thus find ways to make exercise and eating right fun.
One option is to plan sports and other physical activities for your next company party. Try to include as wide a range of activities as possible, so that employees of all shapes, sizes, and abilities will be able to participate. This way, you and all your workers can bond with one another while getting a great workout!
Another great way to boost employees’ wellbeing is to hold cooking classes where you make healthy dishes. This will give your staff a better sense of how to make meals that are good for them but still delicious. Offer employees the chance to lead these classes, setting clear criteria for what meals are healthy enough to make.
Keep it Convenient
Besides keeping healthy eating and activity fun, you should make sure that it’s not difficult. Many employees would like to be healthier, but find it inconvenient to do so. You can solve this problem by:
- Installing Showers– Employees may want to exercise on the way to the office or during breaks, but don’t want to be sweaty while they work. By installing showers at your office, you let them wash off after exercise, making them more likely to work out.
- Offering Healthy Foods– If you provide lunches for your employees, switch to a healthier selection of foods. Likewise, if you have a vending machine, fill it with nutritious, low-sugar selections.
- Improving Flexibility– Employees often want to exercise, but have trouble finding the time. To make it easier for them, give them more flexibility in deciding when to come to work or take breaks.
The easier it is for employees to get exercise and eat right, the more motivated they’ll feel to do so.
Stay Sensitive
In encouraging employees to be healthy, be careful not to make any of them feel inferior or left-out. You should thus avoid directly comparing workers to one another, especially based on things like weight or muscle mass. Remember that not all employees are capable of the same physical feats or outcomes; due to genetics, home life, and countless other factors, some people just have an easier time staying healthy than others. Only by treating everyone fairly and kindly can you motivate them to be as fit as possible.
For more information on promoting health, safety, and happiness in the workplace, contact F.A.S.T today.
