Helping your employees stay healthy, is not only important for them, it is also important for you. The healthier your employees are, the less they’ll be susceptible to everything from a virus outbreak to chronic conditions. That improves attendance, lowers insurance cost and improves the overall workplace satisfaction of each employee. That’s why offering workplace wellness programs not only benefit you, but also your staff.
The leading cause of preventable deaths in America today is obesity. Obesity can lead to chronic disease, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain cancers, gallbladder disease and gallstones, osteoarthritis, gout and certain breathing problems, including sleep apnea and asthma. It contributes to the severity of diseases from viruses and bacteria, too. An unhealthy diet causes poor nutrition and also leads to a host of conditions and diseases. Finding and presenting ways to implement healthier eating habits, such as replacing sugary foods in vending machines, having healthy lunches at meetings and offering employee education in that area are important for a healthy workforce.
You can’t force anyone to exercise. It’s hard enough for some people to do it consistently, even when they initiate the program. You can improve your workplace program by encouraging an active break more often, finding ways to make work more active—like a waling meeting, starting a program to reward exercise and encouraging things like biking to work or bike sharing. Providing fitness training or video programs for fitness for all employees add to good health, but also create a less stressful workplace.
Mental health and smoking cessation play a vital role in the health and happiness of each employee. Even mild depression can reduce productivity, while adding to employee stress and ultimately his or her physical health. Smoking is no longer the leading cause of preventable deaths, but it still takes its toll, not only in deaths, but on overall good health. Encouraging and even rewarding those who quit can help lower insurance costs, too.
For more information, contact us today at Travel Trim
