“Seven months ago, I had a baby, was working in a stressful and intense environment, and found myself too busy to make time for anything. When I joined my current organization and enrolled in its employee well-being program, I found a renewed sense of motivation and inspiration to better myself. The program influenced me to pay attention to areas in my life that I was neglecting, mainly my diet and exercise, but also things like stress and sleeping patterns. …. I returned to bike commuting, I’m eating better, and all of these things have had an immense impact on my overall wellbeing and happiness. I have more energy to play with my daughter and I’m sleeping better at night. I’m a happier person to be around both at home and at work! …. I feel great and my company’s well-being program is to thank for all of the positive changes I’ve made and continue to make. Thank you!” (Tracy Buro)
Tracy’s is just one of the many success stories shared on employeewellbeingmonth.com, a non-profit site which promotes wellbeing in the workplace and outside. In “What’s All the Hype about Workplace Health and Safety 2,” I noted that Workplace Health comprises Occupational Health and Safety, Healthy choices – including health promotion activities at work, and Organizational culture.
June 2016 marks the celebration of the 8th Annual Employee Wellbeing Month, a time for employers and employees to bring healthy choices and habits into the workplace, placing an emphasis on wellness and wellbeing. It spotlights the workplace’s role in helping to create healthy employees, showing how healthy company cultures drive employee productivity and engagement, leading to better business.
Why is Employee Wellbeing Month important?
Healthy, happy, well-adjusted employees are a company’s best resource. Employee Wellbeing Month is an opportunity to help employees meet their personal health and wellbeing goals, providing ways to feel better at work, combat day-to-day stress, stay physically active, and contribute to an overall company culture of health. We all spend a lot of time working. It’s important for that time to be fulfilling, supportive, and enjoyable.
How can I celebrate Employee Wellbeing Month?
As an employee, whenever you take a moment to incorporate wellbeing into your workday, you’re celebrating Employee Wellbeing Month.
By choosing to take the stairs over the elevator or escalator – or choosing to walk short distances instead of drive – you’ll be doing a world of good for your body.
Food cooked at home is usually healthier – with lower amounts of sugar, salt and fat – than those purchased at restaurants. Plus, it’s less expensive and easier on your budget. By bringing your lunch to work along with some healthy snacks you’ll be improving how you feel, how you eat, and even how you work.
You can also take walking meetings with your supervisor or colleagues, substitute water for caffeinated beverages, or bring in healthy snacks to share with your coworkers. However you like to promote wellbeing is fair game!
For employers, there’s quite a bit that you can do to promote wellbeing in your workplace. Here are some suggestions:
- Set a daily or weekly lunchtime walk: Send a calendar invite to coworkers so they set aside the time in advance!
- Give out free bottled water: Providing accessible healthy options makes them more popular.
- Invite a local fitness or yoga instructor to lead a group class after work: Provide a beginner’s class for people who are curious about new ways to work out.
- Host a healthy potluck lunch for your office: Everyone brings a dish to share. Set a theme for some extra fun!
- Create a map of quick and easy walking routes around your office: You can show routes for 10-, 15-, and 20-minute walks.
- Set out a fruit bowl in the break room, employee kitchen, or reception area: People are more likely to take a healthy snack when it’s easily available.
- Designate Wednesdays (or any other convenient weekday) in June as “Sneaker Days”: Allowing employees to dress down and wear comfortable shoes will encourage walking and physical activity.
As Sir Richard Branson said, “Take care of your employees. They’ll take care of your business.” So, guys, let’s get up and moving!
Here’s to healthier and safer workplaces and employees!
HAPPY EMPLOYEE WELLBEING MONTH 2016!!!
Resources:
employeewellbeingmonth.com