How You Can Make Your Employees Feel Healthier And Happier
A large number of office-based industries have a workforce that is not required to get up and walk about very much. They sit at their computers, not even needing to get up to speak with or ask a question because digital tools such as email and chat systems take care of everything on their behalf. In a nutshell, it is an extremely inactive profession. The same may be said for their personal time while at work; many employees take a working lunch to eat something fast at their desk and then continue working in order to fulfill their deadlines. What can be done to ensure that you create a healthy office atmosphere that supports employee well-being in light of this consideration? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Employee well-being groups
Encourage your staff to take a break from their desks to eat their lunches, at the very least. Apart from being more sanitary, taking a break from their computer will also rejuvenate them and prepare them for the afternoon. Put on some voluntary employee wellbeing groups during lunchtimes - for example, a walking group that goes for a snappy stroll around the local park or block, a yoga group led by someone with an online yoga certification, or even just a pool table for the staff to play on during break time to enable them to unwind and have some fun before returning to their workstations.
Healthy snacking and lunch options should be available
You should make sure that if you have a cafeteria or vending machines on-site, there are plenty of nutritious items available for employees to consume. With healthy options available, you can ensure that they are getting the nutrients they need and that they are eating foods that will offer them long-term energy to get them through the day, which will save time and money. When the only foods accessible are processed meals and refined sugars, it only offers transitory energy and leads to an even deeper energy slump, which in turn leads to a decrease in productivity and efficiency.
Install water coolers and hand out bottles
While it is true that this requires an initial capital outlay, the use of branded water bottles that staff may fill up whenever they want will encourage everyone to drink more water rather than reaching for the coffee machine or soda. Moreover, it saves a large number of single-use plastic water bottles from being used and discarded. Remember to install a water fountain or a water cooler so that they can have access to cool, refreshing drinking water anytime they require it.
Make it a safe space
We are not just talking physically but emotionally, too. Let your employees know that if they have an issue, whether a workplace one or a personal one, your office is a safe space where things will be kept in confidence and they can get the support that they need.
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