Now more than ever, companies put a higher emphasis on keeping their employees safe and healthy. Different measures on how to secure them inside the workplace have been implemented as offices start their re-entry programs. However, effective and sustainable wellness programs should not only be focused on workplace guidelines and protocols but should be deeply embedded in a company’s culture at work.
A culture of health in the workplace supports and encourages healthy behaviors and is aligned to improve the employees’ overall well-being through the company’s policies, practices, and activities. Research shows that wellness programs are more likely to be successful if employees are engaged. Here are some ways on how you can cultivate a culture of health and wellness at your workplace:
- Lead by Example
Company leaders, managers, and heads should be role models in following and uplifting a healthier lifestyle at work. They should be advocates of an ideal work and life balance which should be something their employees should aspire for. If the leaders themselves are not participating in the programs, it will not be effective, and employees will not be engaged.
- Understand your Employee Demographics
Knowing your employees can make all the difference in launching workplace wellness campaigns. A well-structured and effective program addresses the needs and wants of your people. After all, culture should be defined by them in the first place.
- Identify a Clear Goal
It would be hard to implement something without a clear objective in sight. For employees to realize and appreciate the importance of your efforts to instill a culture of health and wellness at work, it is crucial to define a clear objective that is relevant to them.
- Get their Feedback
To set clear and correct goals, your employees’ input must be considered. Which areas of health do they want to focus on? How much of their time are they willing to allot for health and wellness activities? Moreover, getting their feedback as you go along your programs is also as crucial to know which areas you should improve at or whether their goals are still the same when you started.
- Make it Fun
Some health and wellness programs at work are not as effective since many employees think about it as an extension of their work. Be creative in designing and spearheading programs that address their health holistically. Try different activities that address your employees’ physical, mental, and social needs.
How can they benefit from such programs? Which areas of concern will be addressed through it? Set clear and defined goals that are easy to understand so that your employees can trust the process, participate, and be engaged.
Creating a culture of health takes time and a lot of effort, especially in the beginning. The value of cultivating healthy habits and a healthy mindset in your company is valuable not only for your business interests but more importantly for the relationships you build with your employees.