HAPPY EMPLOYEES + HEALTHY WORKPLACE = BUSINESS SUCCESS

Protective yellow helmets or a first aid kit are probably the first things that come to mind when you think about health at work. But there is much more to be aware of when creating a safe and healthy working environment. Remember it’s not only about avoiding accidents or providing ergonomic office chairs. What about mental and emotional wellbeing with their undeniable links to physical health and productivity?

Countless studies & research show that if you take care of your employees’ wellbeing, give them a pleasant workplace and encourage them to look after their health – the result will be a happy workforce. And happier employees are more productive, with less sick days, so it makes good sense to have some sort of wellness strategy in place.

However, before we start considering the “how to” – let’s define exactly what wellbeing is, with inspirational author, Greg Anderson’s explanation:

“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind, and spirit – the realisation that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of wellbeing.”

Greg Anderson

In other words, you need to consider the different elements of wellbeing in the workplace. It’s a state of balance that when reached, means that people are inspired, motivated and productive because they feel good.

If you are still feeling doubtful about the benefits of introducing a wellbeing programme here are some more reasons that keeping your staff happy is good for business:

· less absenteeism,

· more creative people,

· better teamworking

· higher productivity

· enhanced employer reputation

Putting it into practice

Workplace health programmes are a combination of paying attention to workplace stress factors and employee lifestyle. In other words, a good employer or business owner not only supports employees in the performance of their roles but also encourages them to lead healthier, fitter, more balanced lives.

Having decided that you want to improve health and wellbeing in your workplace, there are a number of factors to bear in mind:

1. Plan strategically

Like any other work project, you need to know exactly what you want to achieve and why. Set out some clear goals and objectives (preferably SMART ones) and wherever possible, involve the employees in the planning – after all, they know best what sort of programme will appeal to them most.

2. Offer choices

Variety is the spice of life & wellbeing! People are different and not every activity appeals to every employee. You need to offer or encourage a wide variety of options to engage with everyone. Here are some popular ones: subsidized health insurance, gym membership, meditation/yoga dance classes, stress release workshops, coaching one-to-one or in groups, massages, health assessments, nutritional advice, organic fruit baskets, incentives for commuting to work by bike and the list goes on.

3. Communicate

Wellness should be part of your corporate culture and ideal communication is a two-way process. It’s important you understand your employees’ needs and that they are clear about what you are offering.

4. Make it fun

If people see eating well and exercising as yet another duty or responsibility then they’re less likely to be enthusiastic about it. The more enjoyable the activity, the more employees will sign up. After all, even adults like to play or have a break!

5. Make full use of technology

It’s the 21st century and technology is part of everybody’s life. Use a variety of channels such as web pages, email or online forums to communicate. You can also look for ways to incorporate technology into wellbeing activities. For example, downloadable podcasts about healthy eating, Skype coaching sessions, fitness apps for smartphones or share a guided meditation through Dropbox or a similar service.

6. Make it social

Speaking of technology, make sure you take advantage of social media. Why not set up a private Facebook page or a LinkedIn group that focuses on employee well-being? If you give people a community forum, they’ll encourage each other and provide their own motivation.

7. Simple steps

Not everything has to be complicated. Look for easy ways to gently encourage a healthier lifestyle in the workplace. For example, why not place a bowl of fresh fruit by the water cooler and tell people to help themselves.

8. Check up

There is always room to improve any initiative. Talk to your staff. Ask them how the programme is working for them. What could you do differently or better? Are there measurable or noticeable improvements?

Hopefully, you now have a clear idea of why Corporate Wellbeing is important and how you can go about implementing it in your workplace. Whether you are a small business owner or a CEO you can be certain that investing in health and happiness will benefit you, your staff and your company on all levels.