Working individuals spend a major part of their day, at their respective jobs. It accounts for more than 60%-70% of their waking time. So it’s not workplace wellness, it’s wellness in general, it’s an individual’s everyday interaction, not just work-related wellbeing. When organizations envision strategies with this belief, incorporating wellness in the company policy will become an easy task.
Productivity is directly proportional to the overall wellbeing, it’s only when you are healthy with your body, and mind, and would you be able to focus on aspects beyond that. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs substantiates the classification, reflecting the universal needs as the base, and eventually moving on to other acquired emotions.
Employers are generally under varying degrees of pressure to stay afloat and reap maximum benefits, and in all these operational intricacies, it’s the surface issues that gets maximum attention. But it should be kept in mind that wellness is not going for a step challenge/team meal, once a month. It’s not a standalone island that can be addressed once a while, but something that’s woven into the cultural fabric of the organization. Therefore, organizations should nurture a culture of respect, value, and inclusivity, in all respects.
Enumerated below are some of the initiatives, corporates should go for to create a happy and healthy environment-
- Organize Healthy Potluck Suppers-
Have them munch healthy snacks rather than the conventional high-calorie finger foods. These snacks seriously impact the overall productivity in the long run, by damaging an individual’s health and wellbeing. A study by the International Labor Office (ILO), states that poor diet at work costs about 20% in lost productivity, around the world, owing to obesity/malnutrition which plagues around 1 billion people.
There are companies that deliver the widest range of healthy snack boxes for corporate offices.
- Gratitude serves as one of the best remedies-
Wellness is not just physical, it encompasses mental wellbeing too. A keen intent and a focused mind can reap tremendous benefits, even if the surroundings are not congruent. Practicing gratitude has numerous scientific benefits like it improves physiological and physical health, eases depression, aids in healthier sleep patterns, improves self-esteem, and cements relationships.
Boost your employee’s mental health by making them write one thing they are grateful for, each day for 21 days. Have them reflect on their mood and productivity post the exercise.
You can also organize periodic guided meditation sessions to help them unwind and relax, and as we all know, a relaxed mind works more productively than a muffled one.
- Get them on their feet-
It’s a lethargic job for most, sitting around for most of their day. According to WHO, physical inactivity is a leading cause of disease and disability; having serious implications on an individual’s health, causing around 2 million deaths per year.
Encourage movement for employees, plan walking meetings, plant standing desks, organize floor exercises, make them move and discuss rather than emailing/calling their colleagues.
Reward employees with incentives like gym discounts, gift cards, or a healthy meal upon completion of fitness activities.
- The science of ergonomics-
Ergonomics is the process of organizing workplaces, according to the needs of the workers who use them. A poorly designed workplace leads to fatigue and frustration for the employees. For example- repetitive typing and using a mouse can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. Getting bogged down with all the stress? Bring nature at your doorstep with all its enchantments. It has been proven through scientific studies that our woody friends can help reduce negative emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression, by calming areas of the brain like the prefrontal cortex (active during rumination) and reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Design a workplace with an adequate number of indoor plants, landscape paintings, green walls, etc. You can also provide a pet-friendly space or maybe plant an aquarium, as deemed fit.
- Help them socialize-
Human beings are social animals, dependent on each other to survive and thrive. One of the major reasons for absenteeism is the lack of motivation and uncordial relations with coworkers. It can become challenging to work as a team if employees are not comfortable with each other. Whenever feasible, organize team outings/interaction sessions to keep the atmosphere fresh and friendly. You can also organize an exercise wherein employees can put up their opinions about their coworkers on a shared platform without mentioning their names. This will help them remain anonymous and also share their innate emotions, consequently lowering cognitive stress.
Harvard Business Review reported that, “on average, employers who invested in health and wellness initiatives saw $6 in healthcare savings for every dollar invested.”
Investing in your employee’s wellbeing will make them feel valued and appreciated, rendering them a sense of belonging and responsible accountability.
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