In today’s amazingly competitive business backdrop, employers look for any value they can find, and enhancing productivity is at the top of their lists. Although there are numerous ways businesses can grow productivity by looking for new efficiencies and finding new ways to motivate their employees, many don’t realize how important the wellness of their employees can be. Employees who live healthier lifestyles can have a noticeably better impact on a workplace’s productivity for several reasons. For example, research has shown that employees who eat healthy during the workday tend to be 25% more productive than co-workers who munch on junk food. Employees who get consistent exercise and eat healthier diets also have a 27% lower instance of absenteeism. The effect employees’ wellness has on a company’s bottom line is clear.
All of this goes to show why many businesses are making the health and wellness of their employees a bigger priority than in years past. Initiatives and programs that are anticipated to improve employees’ overall health and wellness are growing, and many businesses have seen noteworthy improvements in their productivity as a result. A healthier workplace where employees pay attention to their wellness leads to numerous benefits. Employees who take better care of themselves can be more effective at dealing with stress, which leads to higher job fulfilment and better retention. A healthier workplace also means less employee sick days, which can improve productivity substantially. Employers who institute strong wellness programs in their workplaces also see clear benefits in the form of lower costs for health care coverage.
Although many companies have embraced workplace wellness by offering in on-site gyms or establishing fitness programs, the fact is that even some simple changes in behavior can make a huge difference and lead to a healthier workplace. For example, employees remembering to get up from their desks to take a brief walk a few times a day can contribute to a healthier workplace. Employers can help create a culture of wellness within their workplaces by concentrating on providing healthy snacks for employees. An investment in ergonomic desk chairs also can make a difference by cutting down on health issues such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome that can lead to lost hours and increased health care costs. There are many exercises employees can do, even while they are seated at their desks, that can improve their overall health and wellness.
Following many of these simple tips and others can make a notable difference in general health and wellness within the workplace. This can lead to some noticeable competitive advantages in the form of improved productivity and costs savings. The accompanying workplace wellness guide from Aligned Modern Health lists some of the most convincing reasons employers should concentrate on wellness, as well as some of the most applicable tips for achieving a healthier workplace. A business can’t afford to be left behind in any aspect of competition, and that includes having the most productive and healthful staff.
Infographic produced by Aligned Modern Health.