Employee health matters, not only to workers themselves, but also to businesses’ bottom lines. After all, when staff members are sick, their productivity falls and they’re more likely to have to take time off. The good news is, there are simple ways to improve employee health and wellbeing, and here are some of the most effective.
Find the right furniture
People can spend long hours at their desks these days. This means that if their furnishings aren’t up-to-scratch, their health can suffer. As office supply specialist Furniture At Work™ points out, for people who sit for long stretches of time at their workstations, comfortable seating is a must. Without well designed and made chairs, individuals are at a greater risk of developing a range of back and neck complaints, and they may be more likely to suffer repetitive strain injuries too. It’s worth noting that seating should provide firm support to the lower and middle part of the back, and it should allow workers to place their feet flat on the floor or on a footrest. If you think your current seating, or any of your other items of office furniture, are a little shoddy, now could be the time to invest in new versions.
Encourage exercise
Exercise is a must for employees too. By keeping active, people can control their weight more effectively. They can also reduce their risk of major illnesses like heart disease, cancer and diabetes by up to 50 per cent. There are various ways to encourage your personnel to up their levels of exercise. For example, you might benefit from introducing a cycle to work scheme. Getting your workers to ditch their cars in favour of this healthier two-wheeled mode of transport can do wonders for their health and fitness.
If you have the space, you might also want to consider providing gym facilities within your premises. Often, workers find it hard to squeeze exercise sessions into their busy daily routines. By making sure they have access to a gym on-site, you can make it easier for them to keep fit.
Insist on regular breaks
Many people feel the pressure at work these days, and this can make them reluctant to take breaks. However, sitting in front of their screens all day can wreak havoc on employees’ health. To give their eyes a rest and get their bodies moving, it’s important that personnel get away from their workstations at regular intervals. To help ensure your staff members don’t remain in situ from the start of the day until its end, educate them about the value of taking breaks. Make sure they have access to suitable rest areas too where they can go to eat, chat to colleagues and relax.
Don’t let stress levels soar
Stress is a major problem in many workplaces and it can take its toll on employees. Excessive stress levels can raise people’s risk of a number of health complaints, including high blood pressure. This is why it’s vital that you keep a close eye on your personnel to see if any are showing signs of being under too much pressure. Keep an open dialogue with your staff members and make sure they can approach you or other managers if they are struggling to cope, and teach your workers to spot the signs of stress in themselves too.
By following tips like these, you should succeed in creating not only a healthier, but also a happier workplace.
