May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, the international observance of health and fitness in the workplace, founded in 1989 and designed to celebrate/promote healthy living for both employers and employees.
By doing so, the average company experiences a 26 percent reduction in insurance costs and a 32 percent reduction in workers’ compensation and disability claims. Wellness initiatives also function as recruiting tools, attracting top talent who expect a person-first workplace.
Besides the physical benefits of regular exercise, a more active lifestyle also serves as an effective preventative measure for mental and cognitive health. It has been shown to slow and reduce the process of cognitive decline such as dementia and Alzheimer’s by promoting brain cell growth and repair. Being physically active can help treat mild to moderate cases of depression and anxiety. Exercise also naturally reduces stress, a lot of which can be caused by the workplace, by lowering cortisol levels.
Essentially, regular exercise could mean longer, happier lives for employees. Even a 15-minute brisk walk or jog can significantly improve productivity and performance at work, especially after lunch when employees’ brains need a boost.
A study found that when employees eat healthy foods, they are 25 percent more likely to have higher job performance, and when employees exercise three times a week for at least 30 minutes, they are 15 percent more likely to have a higher job performance. The same study found that when workers exercise and eat healthy foods, absenteeism was 27 percent lower, and the performance of healthy employees was 11 percent higher than their peers who had higher body mass indices.
Employers can effectively promote and encourage healthy living through workplace initiates and incentives. That’s beneficial for both employees and employers. Collaborations can also be formed with local health advocates, industry professionals, local for-profit and non-profit organisations that may be interested in sharing how their programs and services can promote a healthy lifestyle; they could perhaps provide employees with discounted services such as reduced-cost gym memberships or healthy food subscriptions.
In addition to physical and mental health, the concept of financial wellness can also support mental health, has similar disciplines and can work hand in hand. A big part of financial wellness, after all, is not getting sick. Hence, we can:
- Bring in a healthcare consultant to talk about healthy living
- Bring in a nutritionist to talk about healthy eating and cooking
- Bring in a personal trainer to talk about conditioning habits
- Bring in a financial consultant to give ideas on tax efficiency, financial wellness and goal planning
Employees can also be encouraged to share their talents. People with knowledge regarding certain aspects of healthy living are often passionate about educating others, and a work-sponsored mentoring program is the perfect platform. The best way to reinforce your new habits is to help others seeking to form the same habits. Offer to serve as a mentor or accountability partner for a co-worker or friend. Set short and long-term health and wellness goals that are specific, measurable and challenging. Consider offering programs which are designed to help employees quit smoking.
The office break room can have a reputation for encouraging unhealthy eating habits, with spreads of donuts and treats for every birthday. Instead, companies could stock their break rooms or vending machines with a variety of fruit, low-sugar granola bars, nuts and high-protein snacks. They can also create a bulletin board or electronic database where employees can share their favourite healthy living tips and recipes. Adding a juicer or smoothie machine can also provide alternatives.
By making health and wellness a part of a corporate philosophy, we encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles. And that benefits both sides of the business.
Individuals should consult with a medical professional to get an objective measurement of their current health and identify the health and fitness strategies that are most appropriate for your health needs before starting any rigorous training program.
For more informed decisions related to your own circumstances, speak with your trusted financial adviser. moneytalks@thenanjinger.com
