It’s a fact: the majority of us spend the better part of our waking hours at work every week. It’s unrealistic to assume that the health and wellness of employees lies entirely outside the realm of the workplace. When employees are fit and healthy, employers also benefit, in terms of increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and reduced healthcare costs among employees. Here are five ways employers can encourage healthier habits as part of a workplace wellness program.
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Encourage employees to eat a healthy breakfast -
- A number of studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast every day really does help with weight control. Encourage your employees to eat breakfast, and help them along by having your vending machine operator stock healthy breakfast options like low-sugar instant oatmeal and fresh fruit.
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Cut out sugary beverages and junk food -
- Ask your vending machine operator to put healthier snacks in your vending machine. And, while donuts have been an office staple since time immemorial, employers should avoid using treats like donuts as employee rewards and instead opt for healthier choices.
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Institute workplace stretch time -
- Holding a regular stretch time is a great way to help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and break up the work day for employees. Make sure to consult an occupational health professional for a safe, effective stretch program.
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Help employees get active on breaks -
- Encourage employees to use the stairs (if available) on breaks and lunches, and take energizing 10-15 minute power walks around the building.
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Create incentive programs to get people moving -
- A Mayo Clinic study released in 2013 found that incentivizing employees for improving their fitness and losing weight is effective1. Offering a gym membership as part of an employee wellness program and incentivizing employees for reaching their weight loss and other health goals can help reduce health insurance costs and increase productivity.
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