A company is only as healthy as its employees. Yet with healthcare costs at an all-time high, the impact of poor health on employee productivity and company profits is leaving many business owners struggling to find a solution.
While many businesses have implemented internal wellness initiatives and begun educating their teams about the rising costs of healthcare, these small changes are not impacting the overall health of their workforce, says David Atkinson of Cooper Consulting Partners, a division of Dallas-based Cooper Aerobics. “To influence a true culture of wellness in a business, leadership must educate employees on rising healthcare costs and how an active lifestyle can contribute to the success of the company,” he says.
Cooper, which has developed several employee wellness programs, offers these tips for encouraging healthy practices at work.
Lead by example.
Employees are more likely to participate in wellness programs if their executives and, more importantly, direct managers are already doing it.
Encourage quick health sessions.
This can be as simple as 15 15-minute break or daily meditation.
Combine exercise and relationship building.
Try a “Walk the Boss” program, where employees can connect with their bosses during short walks around the building or even stair climbing.
Encourage the use of the stairs.
Give public recognition to employees who complete a certain level of flights each month. Even something as small as painting the walls a bright color can make the climb more enjoyable.
Improve selections in the vending machines.
Keep the foods and drinks that are better for increased energy and better for you. To manage vendor costs, price unhealthy options higher than the healthy ones.
Doctors, Mehmet C. Oz, M.D., and Michael F. Roizen, M.D.,
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