Effective Ways to Build a Healthier Workplace

Did you know that less than a quarter of US employees feel their employer values their health and well-being?

As studies show that workplace health and safety have declined in America, it’s incredibly important for business owners to take action toward creating a healthy workplace. Let’s look at a few creative ways to build a healthier working environment for your team.

Identify Hazards, Challenges, and Common Health Concerns

When drawing up new strategies to boost employee health and well-being, identifying potential hazards, challenges, and common health issues is the best place to start. Carry out regular risk assessments, ensure your workplace complies with health and safety guidelines, and ensure employees report any problems or concerns about their health or safety at work. Address issues swiftly and try to eliminate hazards to prevent accidents and injuries.

Look for ways to reduce the risk of health-related staff absences as well. Statistics show that the most common work-related health problems include back and neck pain, stress, and anxiety. Implementing changes to lower risks can be beneficial for employees and employers. Examples include using adaptable office furniture to improve posture and providing discounts to exercise classes or massage therapy as part of the employee benefits package to reduce the risk of back pain. To boost mental health, employers can provide mental health support, review working hours and work-life balance, and ask for employee feedback to pinpoint causes of work-related stress.

Encourage Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Making positive lifestyle choices can help to improve mental and physical well-being and lower health risks. Employers can promote healthy living in many ways, including offering nutritious snacks and meals at the office canteen, searching for healthy office vending services, and encouraging physical activity. Make time for exercise classes, workouts, or sessions outside of core working hours, get individuals together to play sports, and get involved in fun, physical activities, such as doing a charity run or participating in a soccer, basketball, or golf tournament. If you have extra space in your office, you could also look into quirky options such as adding a ping pong table, a basketball hoop, or a mini putting course.

Maximize Natural Light

Studies show that exposure to natural light can boost productivity and lift your mood due to increased serotonin levels in the brain. Working in a dark, cramped office will likely make you feel differently from being in a bright, spacious office with sunlight streaming through the glass. Maximize natural light by opting for light colors on the walls and floors, angling desks towards the windows and doors, and using mirrors to bounce light around the space. Adding plants and foliage can also have a positive impact on mental health.

Health, well-being, and safety in the workplace are declining. If you run a business, there are several benefits to creating a healthy work environment. Simple steps such as identifying hazards and causes of common illnesses and injuries, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices, and maximizing natural light can make a dramatic difference to employee health and well-being.

About the Author

Mike is a freelance writer who researches and shares actionable advice around travel, finance, and personal growth. Read his other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image via Pexels.