Easy ways to promote employee wellness

Nearly three-quarters of companies in the most recent Society for Human Resource Management’s employee benefits survey said they offer some type of wellness program or plan. It’s easy to see why: Research shows a strong link between wellness initiatives and lower health care costs, greater productivity and employee satisfaction. Employees participating in wellness programs, for example, are less likely to experience health issues caused by work-related stress and more likely to fit healthy food choices and exercise into busy schedules.

Companies don’t have to invest in costly wellness programs to see benefits, however. Here are some low-cost and high-impact investments in wellness for your office:

1. Plan daily or weekly walks. Get your employees out and moving, especially if you have an office where the majority of people are at their desks all day. Set aside 15-30 minutes every day or every other day and encourage your team members to walk around the block, travel to a nearby park, or maybe even walk to lunch. Ever tried a walking meeting? Provide employees with information about the benefits of walking.
2. 3 o’clock drop. Fight the 3 o’clock productivity drop by hosting some kind of physical activity. You don’t have to go all out, but an afternoon stretch or yoga session can get the blood flowing and help energize your team for the rest of the day.
3. Sign up for a company 5K. Find a good cause to support or make it a fun run. You can train as a company and build relationships in the process. Not into running? Biking or walking are great ways to stay healthy, too.
4. Stock the fridge with water and healthy snacks. Most company fridges are filled with soda and sugary snacks. Encourage your employees to eat healthier by providing them with options like fruit, veggies and water.
5. Invest in an employee gym. If you have the space in your building, consider installing a company workout room. If you don’t have the space, think about paying for employee gym memberships, or bring someone in to teach a workout class.