The Best Workplace Wellness Practices

In today’s competitive business environment, it’s more important than ever for companies to focus on employee wellness. When employees are healthy and happy, they’re more productive and more creative. Added bonus, they’re also more likely to stay with the company. That being said, let’s take a look at the best workplace wellness practices.

Types of workplace wellness practices

There are many different workplace wellness practices that can help improve employee health and well-being. Some of the most effective practices include:

Promoting physical activity: One of the best ways to improve employee health is to encourage them to be physically active. Companies can do this by providing on-site fitness facilities. You can also offer gym memberships or subsidize them. They can also encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day to walk, stretch, or do other forms of exercise.
Encouraging healthy eating: Eating a healthy diet is another important factor in employee health. Companies can help their employees eat healthier by providing healthy snacks and meals in the workplace. Other options include subsidizing healthy food purchases or even offering cooking classes.
Providing stress management resources: Stress is a major factor in employee health and well-being. Companies can help their employees manage stress by providing stress management resources, such as yoga classes, meditation classes, or counseling services. Though employees may hesitate to utilize such resources, they always appreciate the availability.
Promoting a positive work environment: A positive work environment is one that is supportive, collaborative, and respectful. Companies can create a positive work environment by promoting diversity and inclusion. Providing opportunities for professional development and recognizing employee achievements are also great ways to boost morale.
Offering flexible work arrangements: Flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flextime, can help employees better manage their work/life balance. This can lead to reduced stress and improved health.
Providing access to healthcare: Access to quality healthcare is essential for employee health and well-being. Companies can provide access to healthcare by offering health insurance, subsidizing healthcare costs, or providing on-site healthcare clinics.

By implementing these workplace wellness practices, companies can improve employee health and well-being, leading to increased productivity, creativity, and retention.

Ways to supplement the practices

In addition to the above, here are ways to increase the benefits of your workplace wellness practices:

Promoting sleep health: When employees get enough sleep, they’re more alert, focused, and productive. Companies can help their employees get enough sleep by providing quiet spaces to nap, offering flexible work hours, and discouraging employees from working late nights.
Promoting mental health: Mental health is just as important as physical health. Companies can help their employees with their mental health by providing access to mental health resources, such as counseling and therapy. They can also create a workplace culture that is supportive and understanding of mental health issues.
Promoting social connection: Social connection is important for both physical and mental health. Companies can help their employees connect with each other by hosting social events, creating opportunities for collaboration, and encouraging employees to socialize outside of work.
Promoting mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase happiness. Companies can help their employees practice mindfulness by offering mindfulness training, providing quiet spaces for employees to meditate, and encouraging employees to take breaks throughout the day to focus on their breath.

And this is just the start. Opening lines of communication with your employees can help you find solutions tailor-made for your company. Never forget, happy people don’t fight. Maintaining a fulfilled workforce is what’s best for them and your bottom line.

Best Workplace Wellness Practices for Employees

And now for something completely different. . .well, not exactly. Now that we’ve reviewed wellness practices from the company/employer perspective, let’s take a look from the employee side. What can you do in your daily life to improve workplace wellness? I’m glad you asked:

Set realistic goals: Don’t try to change everything about your lifestyle all at once. Start with small, achievable goals. Walking for 30 minutes three times a week or eating one healthy meal per day are easy ways to start making that change.
Make it fun: If you’re not enjoying your wellness journey, you’re less likely to stick with it. Find activities that you enjoy and that fit into your lifestyle. For example, if you love to dance, take a dance class. If you enjoy being outdoors, go for walks or hikes.
Find a support system: Having friends or family members who are also on a wellness journey can help you stay motivated. You can also join a support group or online community for people who are trying to improve their health.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help: If you’re struggling to make healthy changes, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a doctor, a therapist, or a registered dietitian. This may be the hardest point but also the most important. Always know you don’t have to face anything alone.

What can you do when you’re on the clock?

The above points are more general, everyday changes that can improve your workplace wellness. However, there are several things you can actually do on the job that can be impactful as well such as:

Take breaks throughout the day: Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes to avoid sitting for long periods of time.
Eat healthy snacks: Keep healthy snacks on hand at work to avoid unhealthy choices.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and avoid fatigue.
Get enough sleep: Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Manage stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress. Utilizing breathing exercises or lunchtime meditation can make it much easier to get through a stressful workday.

So, if your boss hasn’t read this article (and they should) and taken steps to improve workplace wellness, know that the power is also in your hands. Take care of yourself so you can take care of business!

Kenneth Medford III

Writer, rhymer, gamer: the easiest way to define the man known as Kenneth Medford. I’m a simple man who loves to learn and loves to help and I wander the digital world trying to find ways to sate my hunger for both. Basically, I’m Galactus but helpful.

Check out my other work here or reach out to me on LinkedIn.