As a business owner, you know that happy and healthy employees are critical to a thriving company. Employee wellness programs can improve morale, increase productivity, and reduce healthcare costs.
But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the latest fitness trends that can help get your employees on the path to better health.
Healthy Diet
A study by Brigham Young University has shown that employees with poor or unhealthy eating habits are 66 percent more likely to have lower productivity than those who eat healthily.
There are a few ways you can encourage your employees to eat healthier. One is to offer healthy food options in the office. This could mean stocking the kitchen with healthy snacks or providing lunch subsidies for employees who bring their own healthy meals.
Another way to promote healthy eating is to hold educational events or workshops on nutrition and meal planning. You could also partner with a local health food store or restaurant to offer discounts to your employees.
Whichever route you choose, promoting healthy eating habits among your employees is a great way to improve their overall health and well-being.
Mental Health
This wellness area is often overlooked in workplace wellness, but it’s just as important as physical health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in America struggles with mental illness in a given year. And employees experiencing depression experience a 35 percent reduction in productivity.
You can do a few things to support your employees’ mental health. One is to provide access to mental health resources, like an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). You can also create a culture of open communication by encouraging employees to speak up if they’re struggling.
Finally, you can create a workplace environment conducive to good mental health. This means having policies that promote work-life balance and providing opportunities for employees to take breaks during the day. This way, employees can avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Wearable Technology
For a good reason, fitness trackers have become increasingly popular in recent years. Many people find tracking their steps, heart rate, and sleep patterns helpful. And according to a recent study, people who use fitness trackers are more likely to meet their fitness goals.
If you’re looking for a way to support your employees’ health and fitness goals, you might consider investing in a corporate wellness program that includes fitness trackers.
These devices can track everything from steps taken to calories burned, helping people to better monitor their activity levels. Some newer models also have features like heart rate monitors and sleep tracking. In one study, participants who wore fitness trackers increased their physical activity by an average of nearly 30 minutes per week.
Investing in a corporate wellness program that includes fitness trackers can help your employees become more active and improve their overall health. In doing so, you’ll likely see a boost in employee productivity and morale.
Exercise Classes
Group exercise classes are a great way to get employees moving and socializing simultaneously. Studies have shown that employees who exercise regularly are more productive and have less absenteeism.
Popular options include yoga, Pilates, spin classes, and barre workouts. Many gyms and community centers offer discounts for corporate memberships, so be sure to ask about group rates.
Nonetheless, you don’t need to break the bank to offer exercise classes at your workplace. There are plenty of free or low-cost options available. No matter what type of exercise classes you offer, employees are sure to appreciate the opportunity to get moving and stay healthy.
Subsidized Physiotherapy Visits
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, physiotherapy can help to improve employee productivity by reducing pain and disability. When employees have access to physiotherapy, they can stay active and healthy, both physically and mentally.
You can offer employees subsidized physiotherapy with the help of a corporate wellness program. Be sure to find a trusted physiotherapy clinic, One Essential, that provides a wide range of services, such as pain management, rehabilitation, and myotherapy.
Offering physiotherapy services is a great way to show your employees that you care about their health and well-being. Not only will they be able to stay healthy and productive, but they’ll also appreciate the extra perk.
Employee wellness programs are a worthwhile investment for any business. By incorporating some of the latest fitness trends into your workplace wellness program, you can give your employees the tools they need to lead healthier lives. And when your employees are healthy and happy, your business will be too.