I have seen a couple of posts recently that talk about employee health and how they contribute to the company’s success, but for some reason, they seem to dwell more on ‘mental health’ than any other part of health. When we say, “No company can exist without healthy employees”, it should not just be about mental health, depression, or the like. The health and well-being of a workforce are not merely boxes to check; they are foundational elements that contribute to the success and longevity of a business. As organizations strive for higher productivity and innovation, it is essential to understand that the physical health, just like the mental health of employees directly impacts the overall performance of the company.
Healthy employees are more productive, engaged, and less prone to absenteeism, and we don’t even need statistics to buttress that. When employees feel good physically and mentally, they are more likely to bring their best selves to work. They experience higher levels of motivation, creativity, and collaboration, which all contribute to a more vibrant workplace. Moreover, investing in employee health can lead to significant cost savings for companies by reducing healthcare costs and turnover rates.
So, beyond preaching, how can companies implement real change? How can they promote the mental and physical health of employees, not just stating their commitment verbally? Beyond mere rhetorics, what actionable steps will help promote and encourage healthy living?
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1. Promote a Culture of Well-Being:
Companies should actively cultivate a culture where health and wellness are prioritized. This can be achieved through leadership modeling healthy behaviors, recognizing wellness achievements, and integrating health into the company’s values.
2. Encourage Regular Breaks: Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. So maybe instead of a 2-hour break stretch, employees can be allowed to take 3 breaks lasting 20 minutes each. This helps to refresh the minds and bodies, and these pauses can significantly enhance focus and efficiency.
3. Sacred Family Time:
Work-life balance is crucial for employee well-being. Companies should respect and promote family time as sacred. This means scheduling meetings or other engagements outside the work hours are not welcome. Flexible working arrangements, such as remote work options or adjusted hours, can empower employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and family commitments. When employees feel supported in their personal lives, they are more likely to be dedicated and engaged at work.
4. Incentivize Healthy Lifestyles: Organizations can incentivize health-promoting activities, such as gym memberships, wellness challenges, or health screenings. Programs that reward employees for participating in healthy activities foster a proactive approach to health and create a sense of community. In this era of remote work, you may be surprised to find out that some people now have a routine that takes them straight from bed to their work desk, where they sit to work the entire day. Even the break periods are spent at the same desk, probably just munching a snack. And at the end of the day, they return to bed. This lifestyle does not produce healthy or even effective workers, and it should be discouraged.
An HR officer noted recently that even though the company provided an HMO plan that included 2 days of visits to the gym every week, less than 7 percent of the staff used it. Only when they permitted them to use the last work hour of Wednesdays and Fridays in the gym, with picture evidence on the Whatsapp group, did they start using the gym membership. At some point, a group of colleagues even made it a treadmill contest of who ran the most Kilometers. In the next quarter, it reflected in their KPIs. Some of the staff met new friends in the gym and even got leads for their sales department. Win, win!
5. Mental Health Resources: Providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling services, workshops, and stress management programs, demonstrates that a company values mental well-being. Regularly communicating about these resources ensures employees are aware and comfortable seeking help when needed.
6. Create a Supportive Environment: A supportive workplace culture encourages open discussions about health challenges. Providing forums or workshops that allow employees to share their experiences can help normalize conversations around health and wellness, making it easier for individuals to seek support when they need it. Everyday challenges like stress, inadequate rest, diseases, pollution, overeating, and or eating the wrong foods (and drinks) put people’s health at risk. An unhealthy lifestyle results in poor sleeping habits, constant tiredness, lack of energy or vitality, ill health, increased weight gain, depression, and emotional instability. The employees suffer and so does the business.
The health of a company’s workforce is not just a personal issue; it’s a corporate one. Companies that genuinely invest in the health and well-being of their employees will not only foster a happier and more productive workforce but will also see the benefits reflected in their bottom line. By moving beyond mere preaching to implementing practical strategies, organizations can create a thriving environment where both employees and the company can succeed. Embracing health as a priority is a long-term investment that pays dividends in morale, productivity, and overall company culture.