Influenza, stomach flu, strep throat, and the common cold are just a few of the familiar terms thrown around during the fall and winter months that greatly affect worksite wellness . In your workplace, these germs are easily passed around, especially when working in tight spaces and sharing office tools and machines. As a part of your effort to keep your employees healthy, here are a few suggested modifications to your office environment that could keep everyone feeling better and keep the germs to a minimum.
1) Clean the air –Add beneficial greenery to your office. Choose among plants such as the Peace Lily, Rubber Tree, or Bamboo Palm, to decrease the toxins surrounding your employees, as well as to purify the air that everyone breathes. As an added bonus, these plants also help to decrease stress levels, which can also contribute to fewer illnesses in the office.
2) Embrace natural light – One of the best ways to fight illness is with adequate vitamin D. Unfortunately, this is one of those vitamins that is hard to get in adequate quantities through food consumption. The best way to obtain it is through natural light. Try to position your employees’ desks and workspaces close to a window without window treatments. If you do not have natural lighting, trying adding a skylight or offering the option to take breaks outdoors to soak up the sun for 15 minutes at a time.
3) Offer various teas – Tea has been shown to help fight against various illnesses. While it is not a foolproof way to keep everyone healthy, it does ensure proper hydration, boost the immune system, and provides comfort during times of stress or illness. Offer a tea bar in your break room with various teas, including black, green, and peppermint tea for the best results.
