Ways To Improve Workplace Wellness

Posted by Arka Softwares on September 20th, 2019

Can you imagine how much impact does workplace wellness has on employee performance? As per statistics with a successful implementation of workplace wellness plans, there is a rise of 50% in employee’s physical activity, 17% fall in absenteeism rate and rise of 59% in employee engagement. Now, this is huge by any parameters. Over the past few years, there was a sudden spurt in awareness of the need for workplace wellness. As a matter of fact, big corporations now have workplace wellness programs on their key agenda. Holistic strategies are being adopted in order to enhance and make better workplace wellness. With wellness plans in action, there is a sure shot rise in vitality at the workplace. So, if your workplace needs an energy boost, opt for wellness plans as they will without a doubt do a lot of good for your organization.

Mentioned below are some of the ways to enhance workplace wellness:

1. Enhancing indoor air quality

Approximately 90% of the time is spent by employee indoors. Now, this has a big impact on not just their physical health but also mental health. Human beings necessitate a huge amount of fresh air as well as sunlight to perform to their best potential. What is alarming is that indoor air can be five times more polluted than the outdoor air. The reason behind the same is carbon dioxide build-up, air-conditioning, toxic detergents, humidification, and various furnishing products, etc. So, if you desire to make your workplace healthier as well as joyful:
• Incorporate balconies, operable windows, open workspaces, and place plant pots wherever it is possible
• Make sure that there is the use of eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning agents by the cleaning staff
• Air conditioners and humidifying systems should be serviced regularly, also install products which come with energy-star ratings
• Motivate your employees to go for outdoor walks whenever it is possible

2. Installing ergonomic furniture

70% of health issues which crop up at the workplace are related to musculoskeletal and orthopedic problems. There is hardly an employee who has never had to suffer from back or neck pain. Knee and joint pains are also quite common and have a negative bearing on workplace efficiency. When your blood circulation, is not good it can have a bad effect on your organ health. One of the solutions to this problem is switching to ergonomic furniture in the office.

• Make sure that laptop/computer tables and chairs are adjusted ergonomically– this is to make certain that screen is at the eye-level, and the armrests are located at keyboard-level. There should be a use of cushions wherever it is required.

• “Active furniture” should be facilitated in the office. This includes stability balls, standing desks, etc.

3. Make movement mandatory

The human body is not made for sitting for long hours. We need to keep moving in order to stay fit. Active people are healthier as well as happier.

• Try to take a short walk once every hour. This can be done even within your office. This releases tension from your eyes boosts circulation and relaxes your muscles. Whenever it is possible you must opt for stairs. Whenever you go to use the washroom squat at least 20 times. Come up with creative ways to propel movement.

• Stretch your body regularly

• Gym spaces, play-booths should be installed office. This leads to the elimination of mind and body stress.

4. Build up a healthy ambiance

It is an established fact that the environment has a very strong impact on not just our mood but also energy level. Simple things such as color scheme in your office can have an effect on your brain activity and both mental and physical energy. For instance:

• Colors such as red and orange stimulate creativity, increase brain function and augment your blood pressure and heart rate. So use them can on the accent walls, cushions, paintings, etc. in order to induce energy pop to your workplace. On the other hand, pale blue enhances focus as well as productivity. The green spaces are relaxing, refreshing, and lead to calm and control.

• When you design the workplace incorporating all these factors you will create a different setting for different category of work.

• Avoid overcrowding: The seating arrangements which stuff people in one place can be gloomy and suffocating.

• Lighting at the workplace should neither be too bright nor too dim.

• Maintain comfortable temperature at your workplace

• Avoid any kind of loud or harsh noise. Light music releases dopamine and this can lead to some really good work.

5. Provide Nutritious Food to the employees

Nutritious food helps in establishing a healthy workplace. Interestingly, good nourishment can enhance productivity by approximately 20%.

• Office pantry should be stocked with fresh fruits, healthy snacks like carrots, celery, protein bars, etc. Green tea should be served as it has anti-oxidant properties.

• Nutrition workshops should be conducted in order to educate the employees and promote healthy food choices both at the office and in-home.

• Get in touch with external vendors who supply healthy lunches or mid-meals to employees.

6. Have structured fitness programs in place

Fitness is a big challenge these days. Propel your employees towards good health and wellness programs.
• Appoint a fitness expert who visits your office regularly and offers fitness training to employees who want it.
• Establish an in-office yoga studio, gym or play-ground
• Connect with gyms to so that employees can join fitness programs outside the office at discounted rates. Setting up community fitness plans, instating online follow-ups, etc., can also really help.

7. Schedule regular health check-ups for your employees

Periodic health screenings along with follow-up consultations are immensely important. Health tests should be conducted both at the office and at home. Employees should be given coupons which propel regular medical screenings as well as awareness. This will keep looming health issues at bay.

8. Conduct Stress-management workshops

Mental health is an integral part of workplace wellness. Every individual wants emotional holdup, and so mental well-being of people who work for you cannot be overlooked.

• Facilitate easy access to the counselors

• Every week indulge in discussions regarding issues such as workplace stress, habits, etc. Egg on sharing personal stories so that employees get to know each other properly. Isolation leads to depression, so put in efforts to build community-time.

• Promote open one-on-one candid communication between the colleagues, regardless of hierarchy, this will thwart work-induced depression

• Organize yoga sessions, meditation classes, and other creative workshops like art therapy so as to boost employee engagement

• Offer services like on-site childcare, life coaching, etc. This will enhance happiness quotient at the workplace.

• Take on charity projects. Social work leads to increased happiness.

So, these are some of the key ways to promote and establish workplace wellness. Hence the modern advancement in the mobile app development industry is coming up with innovative and creative tools to make your life easier and simpler. Prioritize workplace wellness and you will see your company on a growth trajectory.