Workplace Wellness – What to Consider
Sick leave is still a huge burden for businesses across the globe. In Britain, it is thought that sick leave cost UK employers a whopping £29 billion in 2013 and 2014. And workers in Western Europe are taking substantially more sick days than workers in the US. Workplace Wellness is something we all need to have a good think about.
The figures are starting to improve though as more and more businesses are taking a proactive approach to wellness in the workplace. Employers are considering more ways to promote good health. We all want to avoid a costly sickness bill. Productivity can be greatly improved by helping employees stay well and focused on their jobs. It’s certainly a campaign worth implementing.
If your business is looking to improve workplace wellness, there are several things you should be considering. Think about the things that help us lead a healthy life. Then try to implement them in your business.
Fresh Air and Natural Light
The quality of air in the working environment is important. Dirty air conditioning units promote the spread of germs and disease. They should be well maintained each year. Air from outside should be allowed into the office too if practical. Arguments about drafts and temperature tolerances could erupt though! Instead, encourage staff to use the outside grounds of your office more. Seating and tables set in attractive gardens can be all the motivation they need!
On Site Therapies
Offering your staff subsidised massage therapies and flu vaccinations on site can help prevent sick days. It also promotes you as a caring employer. These services don’t cost you much but can go a very long way to attracting talented recruits. You might also add a healthcare or dental plan to your benefits package. This can help prevent illnesses and poor health.
Sports, Exercise and Activities
Promoting exercise is essential if you want healthy employees. Start up some inter-department sports teams. Offer subsidised gym membership, or consider installing standing desks. Encourage team activities like bowling or hiking. They’re great for team building too.
Healthy Food Choices
Offer free fruit and vegetable snacks. It doesn’t cost much if you already have a canteen. Remove unhealthy choices from vending machines, and keep the water cooler topped up. And get your employees away from the desk at meal times! A clear break from work is a great way to promote good health, productivity, and a better workplace culture.
Stress Relief
Long term sickness can be caused by stress. Train your managers to recognise the symptoms of stress in their teams. Offer workplace counsellors who can help with mental health problems as well as offering career advice. A lack of satisfaction with a career can quickly escalate into poor productivity and sickness.
As you begin to implement your new wellness program, it’s important to promote it. Let your employees know what is available and why you are doing it. Encourage them to talk about it and welcome their feedback. Let your recruitment agents know that this has become part of your company culture. It can also help you attract the best employees. Show that your company cares.
AnnualLeave is the leading employee leave management tool on the market, lifting the HR headache by cutting request processing times, monitoring staff leave trends, and maintaining company compliance all with one user-friendly, affordable self-service program. For more on how we can ease your company’s leave management demands, get in touch with one of our team via our online enquiry form or email us directly at sales@annualleave.com
