Balancing team meetings, project deadlines and other everyday tasks can take a toll on employees’ health. Juggling these commitments can increase stress and ultimately lead to a lack of motivation in the office. The scary news? Research shows that prolonged levels of high stress can also lead to health problems including headaches, muscle tension, chest pain, fatigue, irritability and depression.
Providing positive outlets to de-stress is an essential part of creating a healthy working environment. It’s a great investment, too. Happy, healthy employees are more efficient and productive, which has a significant collective impact on the company. That said, is de-stressing easier said than done? Nope! With effort and organization, your company can revitalize and motivate employees. Here’s how:
Encourage Mini Breaks Between Meetings and Projects
Employees need a few minutes in between stressful moments to collect themselves, and it’s important to be understanding of that fact. Encourage your staff to do something physically active during breaks; anything that gets the blood flowing will recharge them for the rest of the workday. Even a mere 10 minutes can do wonders for de-stressing, whether it’s a quick walk outside, a stretch break or a brief meditation session.
Provide Access to Healthy Food Alternatives
As a result of a demanding work schedule, employees often opt for food that is easily accessible rather than healthy. Providing nutritious meal and snack choices will keep workers fully charged and less likely to reach for sugary vending machine alternatives. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber, which will keep you fuller longer, while whole-grains have complex carbs that provide energy. Both types of food are proven to fight fatigue, increase workplace productivity and prevent that infamous midday slump.
Increase Employee Interaction
Teamwork is the key to success in virtually all business settings, and building a strong sense of camaraderie among co-workers is invaluable. Making the effort to enhance employee relations is sure to provide a positive work environment and make time at the office more enjoyable. Get creative with employee incentive programs. This encourages loyalty to the company and to teammates.
Encourage Physical, Spiritual and Emotional Health
A good employee is often willing to overlook his or her personal well-being to ensure that a project is finished. To compensate, why not implement a wellness program? Companies take great measures to provide job training but may lack in educating employees on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Among other perks, a wellness program provides access to exercise equipment, mental resources and healthy eating information. John Baldoni from Inc.com suggests “health coaching” programs to “teach meditation, yoga and health principles.” Staff members put in so much time to benefit the company that it’s only fair to provide these simple but important resources.
Create a Strong Culture and Set of Values
One of the most rewarding aspects of a job is the idea of working collectively towards a greater goal. If a company’s goals and values are clearly defined, employees will be willing to work harder to attain them. Employees will also be more trusting of and loyal to their company if they can easily relate to its values.
Overall, companies should value their employees not just as staff, but as people, too. Promoting the balance between work and a healthy lifestyle is the key to motivated and productive employees. Happy, healthy workers means less money is spent on medical care and employee retention rates increase, too, creating a win-win situation for all involved.
How does your company promote health and wellness?
