Workplace wellness is not something to gloss over or skip out on. It is essential to your employees’ mental health and productivity, which results in higher revenue streams and a happier work environment. If you want to know more about how to promote wellness in the workplace, let the following guide help you.
Encourage Exercise
Exercise is essential not only for physical health and wellness, but mental and emotional health. Working out causes the brain to release endorphins, or feel-good chemicals that reduce pain and promote euphoric mindsets. If you have the funds to add a gym to the premises, do so and let employees know they can work out whenever they want. Emphasize that exercising should not interfere with their work, but that the gym is there any time they need to relieve stress. You could also have a personal trainer or massage therapist available on certain days of the week to help your team feel extra good.
Provide Healthy Snacks
As fun as candy, cookies, and other sugary and fatty snacks are to munch on, they are no friend to workplace productivity. Sugar makes people feel sluggish and tired among other issues, including moodiness, weight gain, and blemish breakouts. Provide healthy fare that energizes your team instead, such as fresh produce, whole grain bread and bagels, nuts and seeds, hummus, and assorted fruit and vegetable juices. Focus on foods that have been scientifically-proven to boost the mood, including oats, berries, fermented foods, dark chocolate, nuts, and seeds.
Consider Adding a Meditation Space
Meditation is a well-known stress reliever that contributes to healthy, happy mindsets. If you and your fellow managers are discussing how to promote wellness in the workplace, suggest converting an unused room into a meditation space. Features such as a water fountain, large seat cushions, relaxing music, and related decor give your employees much-needed breaks from the day. They’ll return to work feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and ready to tackle their next assignment or project.
Have Monthly Check-Ins
Checking in with your team on a routine basis makes it clear that you care about their well-being and want them to do their best. Use monthly check-ins to discuss what they do well and what you want to see more of. They can also be used to help your team “vent,” or talk about anything that has bothered them at work lately. Feeling heard and respected is integral to workplace wellness. Additionally, you can have a therapist come in several days during the month for “head checks” that allow your employees to talk about whatever they want, free of charge.
Allow Team Members to Bring Their Pets to Work
Pets bring joy and meaning to the lives of people throughout the world, and are also known stress-relievers. Giving your team the chance to bring their pets to work, including well-behaved dogs and perhaps a cat or two, helps them feel better about their jobs. They won’t worry about leaving their pets home all day, which is a constant concern for many dog owners. Having favorite furry friends around also encourages smiles and connections with fellow team members.
If you are concerned about your workplace becoming a small zoo, consider adopting one or two therapy animals for the office, such as two cats who need to be adopted together, or an older dog who is happy to nap under desks and eat treats. Giving your employees the chance to interact with animals at work contributes to happy feelings and a more harmonious environment.
For more assistance regarding how to promote wellness in the workplace, contact People Leaders Club today.
