Recognising that employee well-being is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage can help companies in achieving greater business success. This is because productivity typically increases when the team is happy and healthy. In fact, according to the findings of a report, employees suffering from certain musculoskeletal pain lost up to 15% of their productivity. Based on another study, this could amount to a significant productivity loss of S$3.3 billion by 2030.
One way for businesses to create an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally is to foster a culture of healthy living. In this article, we’ll share how organisations can encourage employees to lead healthier lifestyles to pave the way for a resilient workforce.
1. Provide a Healthy Menu
The food we consume has a significant impact on our well-being; a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet provides our bodies with what they need to function properly, while a poorly designed menu can lead to nutritional deficiencies, weaken our immune systems, and increase our risk of developing health issues.
Crafting a healthy menu and providing your employees with wholesome and delicious choices filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats allow them to consume food good for their body. This is directly related to improved energy levels, better cognitive function, and increased resilience to illnesses, which ultimately translates to higher productivity, and reduced absenteeism.
2. Stock Up the Pantry with Healthier Snacks
Encouraging a culture of healthy eating doesn’t just end at providing wholesome food in the canteen. Even the snack options provided in the office pantry matters too.
Instead of stocking up highly processed snacks high in sugar, sodium, and trans fat, companies can thoughtfully fill the pantry with a wide array of healthier snacks. Some options to consider include fresh fruits, vegetable sticks with hummus, unsalted nuts, whole-grain crackers, yoghurt cups, and granola bars. Snacks with minimal additives, preservatives, and refined sugars are better for our energy levels and can help to prevent various health conditions.
Learn More: How To Effectively Organise Your Office Pantry
Putting together a well-stocked pantry requires plenty of research and planning. Pro*3 Institutional Catering provides corporate pantry management services to help you provide your employees with healthy snack options sans the hassle of procuring stocks yourself.
3. Provide Standing Desks
Prolonged hours spent seated at the desk has been linked to a range of health issues such as musculoskeletal problems, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity. Introducing standing desks counteracts these issues by encouraging movement, which can stimulate blood circulation and ensure a constant flow of oxygen to the brain. This can reduce feelings of lethargy, enhance cognitive function and creativity, as well as lower the risk of chronic health conditions.
4. Provide Healthcare-Related Benefits
Offering benefits like subsidised health checkups and gym memberships not only demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to its employees’ well-being, but also serves as a proactive approach to promoting a healthy living environment.
From the employee’s perspective, these benefits provide a tangible incentive to prioritise their health. Regular health checks facilitate early detection of potential health issues, enabling timely interventions that can prevent conditions from worsening. Additionally, access to a gym promotes regular physical activity, which has been linked to reduced stress, increased energy levels, and improved overall fitness. When employees feel supported in their wellness journeys, they are more likely to experience higher job satisfaction and engagement.
Cultivating healthy living habits from an organisational standpoint helps to decrease absenteeism rates and productivity losses caused by illness.
5. Ensure Drinking Water is Readily Accessible
The simple act of making drinking water readily accessible within the office is a proactive step towards nurturing the well-being of employees and fostering a culture of health and vitality.
Water is a fundamental substance essential for maintaining optimal health. Not only does it carry nutrients, oxygen and waste products to and from cells, it also aids in digestion, temperature regulation, cognitive function, and many more healthy body functions. By ensuring the availability of drinking water in the office, businesses can help their employees maintain an overall good quality of work life.
Recognising the connection between employee well-being and business success is a pivotal step for companies seeking to thrive in a competitive landscape.
If you’re planning to provide healthier meals to your employees, Pro*3 Institutional Catering offers pantry management services and canteen catering services you can tap on. Contact us today to find out more about our solutions.