Workplace wellness is not just a buzzword. With an emphasis on health and self-care, any company can grow an environment that encourages better mental and physical health for everyone. From ergonomics to greenery, here are a few ways to reduce workplace stress.

A Well-Maintained Office

Healthy and hygienic work workplace environments are essential for reducing overall absence due to illness, and promoting health and safety ideas. Having cleaners come in every night to vacuum, dust and sanitize the work area will ensure that your office not only looks great but employees are looked after too. This type of cleaning can be a Godsend during cold and flu season, where the spread of germs must be stopped, or you could risk an empty office!

A Modern Work Environment

There are quite a few working models that most offices go with these days. You may have heard of ergonomics. That’s how we interact with our environment and how it affects us. A common example would be the use of adjustable chairs. However, there are more ways to ensure your employees are healthier. Standing desks are becoming more popular and have been shown to aid with weight loss. Some people also use walking pads to burn calories while they work.

Workplace Wellness through Food

Workplace cafés aren’t known for their outstanding culinary selections. In many workplaces, the food available is pretty poor and, in some cases, actually unhealthy. We need vitamins to feel good and function well. In the UK alone, 20% of people don’t get enough vitamin D, and it’s a bit higher in the US. Luckily, 10 minutes of sunlight will help with this. But vitamins such as A, B, C, E and K come from our diet. Healthy snacks and a fresh menu will encourage healthier eating.

Natural Light and Greenery

A brighter, fresher and lighter office is more likely to be a productive and friendlier one. There are tons of studies about the link between mental health and nature. This includes houseplants, natural sunlight and getting some fresh air. All of which employees should have access to when they need them. While you can’t do much about the air, sunlight and greenery are quite readily available. It can help to position desks in the light with lots of houseplants dotted around.

Sponsoring Health and Fitness Initiatives

You can be as involved as you like when it comes to health and fitness at work. Some workplaces actively encourage physical activity with workshops, colleague walks or cycling and even workplace yoga! However, these aren’t always feasible. But you can encourage fitness by offering to sponsor co-worker events. The company can provide access to sports gear, gym memberships or fitness app subscriptions to get the staff moving and becoming healthier.

Summary

A clean and hygienic office contributes to much better overall workplace wellness. Healthier food options could encourage better eating habits for your employees. You can also sponsor health and fitness initiatives, such as offering to pay for colleague gym memberships or apps.