Playing an active role in maintaining a healthy team can be critical nowadays. Understandably, people expect more from their workplaces — after all, who wants to spend 40 hours a week in a bleak, illness-inducing environment? Going the extra mile can help employees feel more valued, potentially increasing retention and improving productivity. Discover the most proactive steps to take and evidence-based reasons to do so.
1. Encourage Stretching
Whether you manage an office or a warehouse, stretching is vital. Additionally, exercises from quad stretches to upper body twists are easy to do, no matter the amount of space available. Encouraging people to stretch might earn a few groans at first, but considering Americans spend up to eight hours a day sitting down on average, getting moving can bring benefits from better joint health to posture correction to stress relief. Workers who do a lot of heavy lifting will appreciate the injury prevention and improved flexibility.
2. Use Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is an architecture and interior design concept that asks you to make the work environment a little greener. However, that doesn’t mean just throwing a few fake plants in dark corners. Make sure the windows — especially those with natural views — are free of curtains, or there are images of greenery and a small water feature in locales with less visually dynamic landscapes. Also, ensure staff have ergonomic stations and options for organizing their spaces, as cluttered work areas can subconsciously increase stress.
The idea behind this concept is humans are animals, too. If you went to the zoo and saw bare, gray, dirty enclosures, wouldn’t you worry about the creatures’ welfare? People need natural environments as much as any animal, which can improve physical and mental health when implemented.
3. Get an Air Purifier
Why not throw cleaner air into the mix? Air purifiers filter out unwanted particles and can reduce the number of germs and pollutants, making it more likely to have a healthy team. The filters can also help those with asthma or allergies that affect them at work. When the weather prevents you from opening the windows or the outside air is heavily polluted, a purifier with a high-efficiency particulate air filter can help employees breathe a little easier.
4. Provide Flexible Hours and Workplaces
Remote and flexible work options are a boon for those who can operate this way. Staff can work from home for a day if they’re feeling under the weather and don’t want to get anyone else sick. Additionally, they can pause during their workday to make going to doctor’s appointments more manageable. While rest is a critical component of recovery, someone who feels up to working but not trekking to the office doesn’t have to choose.
Such accommodations can also offer opportunities to exercise during the day. Many lose all their energy by the time they leave work, which isn’t conducive to wanting to walk or go to the gym. Employees who can take longer breaks and get moving rather than remain in the building may become healthier.
5. Offer Nutrition Tips
Fostering a healthy team isn’t all up to you — they have to have the proper fuel, as well. Many staff members may rely on cheap, unhealthy meals because they don’t know what to make or have enough prep time. On top of ensuring people have time to eat and providing adequate appliances, verify they know what foods prioritize their health with helpful information in the break room.
Omega-3s can boost cognitive function as you age, alongside improving immune systems and heart health. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, while vitamin A protects vision. Help workers stay healthy by offering tips on which foods have these nutrients and in what amounts to get the full advantage. When possible, provide nutritious food directly through work events, team lunches or even just by having a bowl of fresh fruit available in the break room.
6. Promote Mindfulness
A healthy body starts with a healthy mind. If you want your staff to stay at their best, providing avenues for stress relief is paramount. In one study, a 10-week mindfulness program positively affected mental clarity, energy, stress and the ability to relax when stressed, on top of physical benefits like flexibility and strength. Better emotional management helps keep the workplace safe for all, alongside bolstering focus and productivity.
A Happy Team Is a Healthy Team
Happiness is the most significant factor when maintaining a healthy workplace. People are more likely to treat their jobs with care when they’re relaxed, comfortable and nourished. Additionally, less stress, illness and exhaustion improve their immune systems, ensuring they have the energy for their jobs or get fit on their own time. Employ these tips for building a healthy team to guide your staff toward a better lifestyle.
Jack Shaw, editor of Modded and author of numerous articles on business success and self-improvement, seeks to inspire readers with his practical tips and strategies for growth. His writings can be found on HellaWealth, USCCG and more.
Healthy workplace stock image by KPG-Ivary/Shutterstock
