Creating a Culture of Wellness: How Investing in Employee Health Can Benefit Your Business

May is Employee Health and Fitness Month, a time to focus on the well-being of employees and encourage them to adopt healthy habits. This month-long celebration was created in 1989 by the National Association for Health and Fitness to promote the importance of physical activity and healthy lifestyles in the workplace.

The workplace can be a stressful and sedentary environment, and many employees struggle to find the time and motivation to exercise and eat well. However, research shows that healthy employees are happier, more productive, and take fewer sick days. By prioritizing employee health and wellness, employers can create a more positive work environment and assist in improving the lives of their employees both in the workplace and out.

Here are some tips for promoting employee health and fitness during the month of May and beyond:

1. Provide healthy snacks and drinks

   Many workplaces offer vending machines/break rooms stocked with sugary drinks and snacks, but these can contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Instead, consider offering healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and yogurt, and replacing sugary drinks with water, herbal tea, or low-calorie options.

2. Encourage physical activity

   Sitting at a desk for hours on end can take a toll on employees' health. Encourage physical activity by offering on-site fitness classes or providing discounted gym memberships. Encourage employees to take breaks throughout the day to stretch and move their bodies.

3. Offer wellness programs

   Consider offering wellness programs that can help employees improve their overall health and well-being. Programs may include stress management workshops, nutrition coaching, and smoking cessation programs.

4. Prioritize mental health

   Employee health and wellness include mental health. Encourage employees to take time off when they need it, and offer resources like employee assistance programs (EAPs) to support employees' mental health needs.

5. Lead by example

   Finally, it's important for leaders to lead by example. Encourage managers and executives to participate in wellness programs and prioritize their own health and fitness. This will help create a culture of wellness and make it easier for employees to adopt healthy habits.

Employee Health and Fitness Month is a great opportunity to prioritize the health and well-being of your employees. By promoting healthy habits and supporting the wellness of team members both in and out of the office, employers can demonstrate their commitment to the betterment of their employees. Not only will this improve the overall health and productivity of their workforce, but it will also create a place of employment where employees feel supported and valued by their work community and can be a great employer brand differentiator.

How have you seen healthy habits promoted in the workplace? Tell us @hello@people415.com.