By Rosette Jones
Adaptability is one of the qualities business owners need to develop to maintain a fulfilled workforce. What better way to practice it than to adapt to the changing needs of your employees?
As the importance of employee wellness becomes more prominent in the business world, companies should consider taking action to enhance the welfare of their workforce. This article will explore various wellness practices and initiatives that organizations can implement to create a healthier and more productive workplace:
Invest in ergonomic equipment
Employee satisfaction depends not just on the social aspects of the workplace, but also on the physical. Studies show that employees who find their working environment comfortable are 25% more productive.
Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders (such as back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome) are common reasons behind absenteeism and workers’ compensation claims. As such, employers should consider creating an ergonomic environment that reduces this occupational stress.
To this end, investing in ergonomic equipment that prioritizes employees’ comfort and physical wellness can positively impact a company’s productivity and bottom line.
Case in point, standing desk converters can help staff reduce discomfort from long hours of sitting, improve blood flow and circulation, and activate muscles to improve muscle and bone health. Combining this setup with adjustable chairs and keyboard trains can help correct posture and increase energy and focus.
Encourage regular hydration
Proper hydration is essential for overall health. When adequately hydrated, employees are more likely to be alert and focused. Health experts recommend that adults drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day.
However, workers may fail to reach this target due to their workload. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and decreased cognitive function. This condition can negatively impact an employee’s job performance.
To encourage regular hydration, install water dispensers throughout the office and provide employees with reusable water bottles. You can also encourage them to take breaks throughout the day to replenish their water supply at their desks. By implementing these strategies, companies can create a culture of health that encourages employees to take charge of their health.
Provide access to meditation apps
Providing access to meditation apps is a simple way for companies to improve their employees’ mental health. Empirical evidence has shown that meditation and mindfulness practices have various benefits, including improved cognitive flexibility and increased working memory. Incorporating these practices in a more extensive stress reduction program has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression among employees.
To make meditation and mindfulness more accessible to employees, organizations can provide access to meditation apps, such as Headspace or Calm, and encourage their use during breaks. This can be done by offering employees a group subscription and creating a meditation room in the office where employees can practice relaxation techniques through the apps.
Use aromatherapy oils
Aromatherapy can be a simple and cost-effective way to improve the overall atmosphere of the office and promote a sense of relaxation among employees. It can even improve performance in the workplace by creating an autonomic balance in the parasympathetic system.
Aromatherapy oils can complement other wellness initiatives, such as meditation or yoga, to enhance their effectiveness. Certain oils like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, and lemon are known to have a soothing effect to help improve focus and concentration and boost energy levels in the workplace.
It’s necessary to note that some people might have allergies or sensitivities to certain types of oils. Before installing oil diffusers for aromatherapy around the office, inform employees of the different scents being used and their potential risks and side effects. More importantly, allow them to opt-out if they prefer not to have the oils diffused in their proximity.
Implementing wellness practices and initiatives is a win-win situation for the company and the employees. By investing in your employees’ well-being, you are investing in the long-term success of your business.
About our guest blogger
Rosette Jones is a business consultant and part-time writer. Her spare time is spent contributing to blogs and caring for her grandmother who has looked after her since she was young.
