HOW TO BRING WELLNESS INTO THE WORKPLACE: 5 EASY, EFFECTIVE WAYS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY & EMPLOYEE HAPPINESS

August 15, 2019 Eat Well

There’s a common misconception that a hardworking employee is someone who skips lunch and works nights to get the job done.

Although this approach to work-life is somewhat admiral, the nonstop meetings, deadlines, late nights, early mornings and even weekends of work, all spell one thing – burnout.

When you live a life revolved around work, your health takes a back seat and stress takes over.

Companies who understand that an employee’s mental and physical wellbeing is a top priority and implement wellness programs to help achieve this are rewarded with happy, hardworking and healthy staff.

The truth is, corporate wellness programs will soon no longer be a benefit, but rather a necessity in the years to come.

What is a corporate wellness program?

Also known as an employee wellness program, it will include strategies aimed to improve the health and wellness of employees.

The program is designed to reduce stress, give advice and information on health and nutrition and also provide health assessments to help uncover staff-specific health issues.

Simply put – a wellness program helps your company to implement specific practices and techniques that aid in creating a happy and healthy workplace.

The benefits of a corporate wellness program

Before we get into the simple and effective ways you can incorporate wellness in the workplace, let’s first take a look at the benefits of a wellness program

Just a little head’s up – If you would like a more detailed description, have a look at our article to get clued up!

But for now, here are the basics:

  • Improved productivity
  • Higher engagement
  • Fewer sick days
  • Happier and dedicated staff
  • Better company culture
  • Easier recruiting
  • Higher retention

Now that you have a good idea on what a wellness program is and how it can benefit your company, let’s get to the good part…

 

5 simple ways to bring wellness into the workplace

The first step you need to take is to work with a Wellness Coach or Wellness Company who specialises in implementing wellness in the workplace.

This way you can ensure you are making the right choices and taking the right steps toward a healthier, happier and wellthier workplace.

1. Create a flexible work culture

Implementing flexible working hours will enable your employees to avoid traffic and encourage a better balance between their home and work life.

Perhaps you can even allow employees to work remotely once a week?

Still not convinced on flexible work arrangements?

Have a look at this study – researchers from Standford discovered that staff who worked in a flexible work environment produced better results, worked longer hours, took fewer sick days and were much happier at work. They felt trusted and supported as they were allowed to create their own work schedules without the nag factor of micromanagement.

2. Encourage nutrition through healthy meals and recipes

Nutrition and diet have major roles to play in our overall wellbeing.

If your diet consists of high contents of sugar, take outs and greasy foods, your body is going to respond adversely.

Poor nutrition leads to sleep issues, daytime fatigue and low productivity and energy levels at work.

What you put into your body is what you get out.

So, if you’re loading up on the take out and unhealthy canteen food from work (even the freshly baked muffins in the morning meetings), your body is going to take a toll.

Through encouraging healthy eating and allowing your employees to access healthy, filling and delicious foods, this will not only benefit their health but your company’s too.

3. Give employees access to health and wellness information

A great way to do this is to send out a monthly newsletter with healthy recipes, fitness and health tips and tricks and some motivating articles to read and videos to watch. Which is something a wellness company can put together for you.

Instead of bombarding your staff with meeting requests and status updates, throw something healthy in the mix in the form of a wellness mail or newsletter.

Another great way to do this is host weekly wellness workshops where professional wellness coaches can chat with your staff on what it means to live a healthy life and how to go about doing so.

4. Reward healthy behaviours

Provide gym discounts and fitness allowances. For example, you could reward employees who work out a certain amount of times a week with a free coffee booster. You could also reward those who reach their fitness goal (run a 5km or take up a healthy eating plan and stick to it.)

There are all sorts of fun and rewarding ways you can encourage healthy behaviours both at work and at home.

5. Get your staff to move more

Ever heard of a walking meeting? It’s where you and your staff take a stroll to discuss things instead of sitting in a boardroom.

If this isn’t your style, then why not create lunchtime yoga sessions or mindfulness mornings?

The more exercise your employees can fit into their daily lives, the better they wellbeing will be.

 

Are you ready to bring wellness into the workplace?

If after reading this, you are ready to motivate employees, improve their health and happiness and in turn, improve productivity and the success of your company, then it’s time you get in touch with us.

What WellBe can do for your company:

  • Health-related digital content and newsletters
  • Workplace workouts
  • Menu additions, meal suggestions & recipes
  • Weekly workshops and seminars
  • Customised exercise and nutrition plans
  • Ongoing health and wellness consulting
  • Counselling and psychological support
  • Physiotherapy and chiropractic assistance
  • Performance and personal development coaching

So, are you ready for wellness?