Create a “Health Culture”
Employee health and wellness initiatives help attract and retain talent, increasing ROI over a period of time. A positive work experience increases an employee's sense of belonging, thereby improving engagement, creativity, and productivity.
Thriving Culture
Employee Experience is considered the most promising competitive advantage for organizations today. A positive work experience increases an employee's sense of belonging, thereby improving engagement, creativity, and productivity. A positive Employee Experience also helps in attracting and retaining the best talent, builds and maintains the employer’s reputation, and encourages team comradery.
Employee health and well-being have become the key factors in enhancing the overall Employee Experience and organizations are actively pursuing wellness programs to support the cause.
Corporate wellness programs are a collection of organizational initiatives to encourage employees to adopt and sustain behaviors which reduce health risks, improve quality of life and increase productivity.
Do you know that professionals prescribe 10,000 steps every day for better health? However, owing to the sedentary lifestyle, an average employee walks approximately 2000 steps each day, adding to the increasing health risk. The problem compounds because of unhealthy food habits, massive amounts of information, unscientific and inaccurate advice we are exposed to on a daily basis, the desire for quick results with the least effort, and self-administered supplements and vitamins.
As an employer, you can only do so much for employee well-being. However, overlooking your employees' health may cost you far more than you realize.
Tips to Improve Workplace Wellness
- 1. Optimize Healthy Eating Habits
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Eating healthy at work may have a big influence on overall health and well-being. A nutritious diet is known to help improve concentration and cognitive function, thereby enhancing performance. Healthy employees are happier, calmer, more motivated, and less prone to getting sick. Providing healthy food alternatives in the workplace is an excellent way to encourage employees to maintain healthy eating habits that benefit both the individual and the organization.
Internal campaigns from time to time generate awareness to inculcate choosing healthy food options. Flyers and banners in the cafeteria encouraging healthy and nutritious meal alternatives could also help drive the message. Providing an on-site kitchen, on-site health care support, and weight management programs can further exhibit organization’s resolve for employee wellbeing.
- 2. Strengthen Emotional Health
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Supporting mental health through a variety of programs and resources is essential to employee health. It is imperative to create a caring health culture that includes inclusivity, diversity and equity.
Stress is common in our everyday lives, at work and at home. Managing stress is very important for our health and wellness. There are numerous relaxation techniques such as yoga, visualization and meditation. Mindfulness meditation teaches us to relax, deal with anxiety and remain calm in a stressful environment. This practice has been shown to reduce burnout, improve mental health, and advance overall well-being.
Scientific evidence also links food and emotional health. Support mental health through tools that optimize nutrition, and lower anxiety and stress.
- 3. Encourage Physical Activity
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Exercise can increase energy levels, improve coordination and balance, strengthen the immune system, and help prevent chronic disease. Regular exercise can help reduce workplace stress and counteract the effects of sedentary work, requiring sitting for a long duration.
Employees can incorporate movement more often - stretching, getting up and moving around more frequently, etc. Regular activity is essential to the health and wellbeing of employees. Encouraging these kinds of physical activities benefits both the individual and the organization.
Bottom Line
Each individual’s nutrition needs are different and standard recommendations may not lead to desired results. Instead, engaging experienced nutritionists such as ACE Nutrition can help the employees to opt for healthy food habits and lifestyle. At ACE Nutrition PRO, our team of Dietitians provide one-on-one tailor-made nutrition plans, plus ongoing consultations for achievable goal-setting with concrete results. Talk to our experts today and make a difference to your company’s bottom line.
