How to Achieve Workplace Wellness without Compromising Production

• Author: Jenny Wolff
• Posted: 2024-08-20

Achieving workplace wellness need not come at the expense of production. Concentrating on production without considering the well-being of employees is not a sustainable or effective way to run a business. For this reason, employers should invest in workplace wellness programs and see them as long-term investments for the company. Workplace wellness is essential because it can:

• Improve employee productivity
• Enhance work quality
• Reduce absenteeism
• Boost morale and motivation
• Increase company loyalty
• Decrease health care costs

There are several ways to achieve workplace wellness without compromising production. Here are some tips:
 

1. Encourage Breaks in the Workplace

Breaks give employees a chance to refresh and recharge, which can help them come back to their work tasks with renewed energy and focus.
 

2. Promote Healthy Eating Habits

One of the best ways to promote workplace wellness is to encourage employees to eat healthily. You can provide healthy food options in the workplace or offer incentives for healthy eating. For example, some companies offer discounts on healthy food options for employees who purchase them through the company. Additionally, some employers offer subsidies for employees who participate in health and wellness programs.
 

3. Encourage Physical Activity

The benefits of physical activity are well-documented, and there's no reason why this shouldn't extend to the workplace. A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

One way to encourage employees to be more active is to create a workplace wellness program that includes physical activity. Another way is to make it easier for employees to be physically active during the workday. For example, you can provide on-site fitness facilities or discounts at local gyms. You can also encourage employees to take walking breaks or stand up while they work.
 

4. Promote Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Encourage your employees to make healthier choices by providing healthy snacks and drinks in the workplace and promoting healthy eating habits through company-wide initiatives.
 

5. Encourage Regular Check-Ups

Ensure your employees are up to date on their immunizations and have regular physicals. An on-site or near-site clinic can make it easy for employees to get the care they need without taking time off. You may even consider offering incentives for employees who get regular check-ups.
 

6. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle

Encourage your employees to live healthy lifestyles, including balancing work and play. Employees working remotely must balance their working hours with time for physical activity and relaxation. A healthy lifestyle can help improve work productivity by reducing sick days, improving moods and attitudes, and providing more energy.

People working from home spend most hours sitting in front of the computer, which can harm their health. They should have working schedules that they strictly adhere to, set alarms to take breaks between work, and get up from their desks to move around at least once every hour.
 

7. Offer Wellness Programs

Many workplace wellness programs can help employees maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some programs may offer discounts on gym memberships, while others may provide educational resources on healthy eating and exercise. You can also collaborate with wellness coaches to encourage employees to participate in healthy activities. Technology has facilitated the offering of wellness programs in the workplace. Many employers now offer online health portals that allow employees to track their progress and receive tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
 

8. Encourage Communication and Collaboration

It'll help them feel more connected to their work and each other. Gone are the days when individuals suffered silently with their health conditions. The modern workplace has become more open and accommodating, which calls for a more collaborative approach to wellness. Please encourage them to establish motivational groups or to join existing ones.
 

9. Implement Policies and Procedures That Support Wellness

Make sure your policies and procedures support employee wellness. For example, you could have a policy that allows employees to take time off for doctor's appointments or to exercise during the workday. You could also have procedures to make it easy for employees to find and use the resources they need to stay healthy.

Collaborate with your employees to create a wellness plan that meets their needs and your business goals. Consider incorporating experts to help you develop and implement your workplace wellness plan. These experts can provide valuable insights and guidance on creating a healthy work environment.

Finding a balance between promoting healthy behaviors and maintaining productivity is crucial. You don't want to create a program that is so restrictive that it hampers employees' ability to do their jobs, but you also don't want to let unhealthy habits slide. The above tips can help you build a happy, healthy workplace without sacrificing productivity.