Create a “Health Culture”

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.

A study by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that 75% of corporate healthcare expenses were spent on chronic diseases, most of which were diet-related. CDC further identified that unhealthy food habits, physical inactivity, and frequent alcohol and tobacco consumption cost employers $28.2 million annually in productivity loss due to frequent absenteeism and functional limitations. According to other studies, 80% of employees in organizations with effective wellness programs have observed increased worker engagement.

Tips to Improve Workplace Wellness

1. Optimize Healthy Eating Habits

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

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

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.

Did You Know?
Stress and Fatigue are the biggest contributors for employee burnout, disengagement and strained relationships in the workplace. Reasonable initiatives toward employee health and well-being have proven to address most of these challenges. Furthermore, wellness programs help attract and retain talent, increasing ROI over a period of time.
“ Achieving My Goal is Possible “
Michelle Deschenes really made me feel like achieving my goals is possible. Michelle gave me lots of encouragement, information and tips. Her approach is not about deprivation, but more about finding a healthy balance, which I loved.
~ Maria B.
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Michelle Deschenes is a wealth of information about nutrition and health. Michelle provided me with helpful resources and information to help support my journey towards achieving my goal. I am excited to be working with her!
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I just signed up and completed the 6 lessons of the online course (Nutrition for Life) at my own pace on the weekend. It is fabulous! So much information on many levels.
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Michelle brings a wealth of information along with energy and enthusiasm in helping her clients achieve their goals. The best part for me has been how surprisingly easy the weight loss process has been after years of struggling on my own.
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As I approach retirement age many younger people ask me how I get my energy. Michelle has taught me good nutrition from real food to get the energy I need. Now I am so sick of hearing others say "I cannot eat these carbs", when I know better.
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Michelle Deschenes helped me shed a great deal of weight. Encouraged me to cook more healthy foods and kept me motivated.
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I’ve been working with Michelle for a few months now, with great success. You’ll achieve results, and learn food strategies that you will carry with you long after your program is complete.
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Michelle Deschenes gave me so much material to help me make smart choices without deprivation. I appreciate that she enjoys real food and being healthy.
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“ ACE Nutrition is Always Encouraging “
Michelle Deschenes is always encouraging and teaching that with small steps I can reach my goals. I have learned that if I eat for nutrition and wellbeing, weight loss will follow. It is somewhat of a trust exercise: stop depriving yourself and eat well instead. Thanks for helping me.
~ Tanie S.