Workplace Wellness And How To Foster It

It feels good to feel good at work, right? Since you spend a lot of your day on the job, how you feel there really affects your overall health and happiness. That’s what workplace wellness is all about. It means making sure your work environment helps you stay healthy and feel good.

More companies are starting to see that their people are their biggest strength. Putting effort into their team’s well-being isn’t just a nice thing to do. It’s smart for business. When people feel good, in body and mind, they’re usually more interested in their work, get more done, and are happier with their jobs. Let’s look at what workplace wellness is, why it’s a big deal, and how to make it better for everyone, no matter if they’re in an office or working from home.

What Is Workplace Wellness

So, what exactly is workplace wellness? 

It’s basically all the organized things a company does to help its people improve their health and just feel better overall. 

This can include lots of different things, like encouraging exercise, supporting mental health, helping people eat well, and making it easier to get check-ups to prevent health problems. 

The main idea is to build a work atmosphere where people have what they need and feel encouraged to make healthy choices every day, at work and at home.

Why Workplace Wellness Is Important

Workplace wellness is important for everyone, both the people working and the company itself. 

When employees are healthy and feel their company looks out for them, they’re usually more motivated and dedicated to their jobs. This can make the whole workplace feel more positive and get more done.

For companies, putting effort into wellness has a lot of pluses. It can mean happier staff who like their jobs more. Healthy people usually take fewer days off sick, and it might even help lower healthcare bills. A good wellness program can also make a company look more appealing to people looking for jobs and help keep the good staff they already have. Plus, by helping their employees stay healthy, companies are also doing a good thing for public health in general.

How To Improve Workplace Wellness

Making workplace wellness better means looking at different parts of what it’s like to work somewhere. What people need can change depending on the job, the workplace, and what each person prefers. Here are some common ways companies can make workplace wellness better.

Pay People Fairly 

When people earn a fair wage, it’s easier for them to afford things that help them live a healthy life. This includes good food, healthcare, and chances to be active. Being paid enough can also cut down on money worries, which really affect overall health.

Give Enough Time Off 

Taking breaks from work is a big deal for mental and emotional health. Offering plenty of holiday time and encouraging people to actually use it helps them rest and recharge. This means they can come back to work feeling fresh and more focused. A good balance between work and life is needed for feeling good long-term.

Keep Workloads Sensible 

It’s important for managers to give out amounts of work that people can actually handle. Unrealistic demands can lead to stress, burnout, and people getting less done. Making sure employees have a doable amount of work helps them feel capable and not so swamped. This helps with job satisfaction and mental health.

Encourage Group Activities 

Organizing things for groups to do can help build a sense of community and support among staff. Wellness challenges, group exercise classes, or workshops on things like managing stress can be really helpful. Working together on wellness goals can help colleagues cheer each other on and build stronger bonds.

Support Being Active 

Companies can encourage physical fitness by having exercise areas at work or offering discounts for gym memberships. Simple things like encouraging people to take the stairs or organizing walking groups during breaks can also make a difference. Making it easier for people to be active can lead to better physical health.

Focus on Mental Health Support 

Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical health. Bosses can offer help like access to counseling, workshops on reducing stress, or quiet rooms for relaxation. Creating an open and supportive place where mental health is talked about and seen as important can make a huge difference. Making sure health benefits cover mental health care is also really important.

Offer Ways to Meditate and Be Mindful 

Encouraging practices like meditation and mindfulness can help people improve their focus, lower stress, and be more creative. Companies could offer guided meditation sessions or access to meditation apps. Teaching people mindfulness skills can give them good tools for handling pressures at work.

Create a Comfortable Place to Work 

Since people spend many hours at their desks or workstations, the physical surroundings matter a lot. Things like good lighting, a comfortable temperature, and a desk setup that’s good for posture can make a big difference. Adding plants or artwork can also make the office feel nicer and a more pleasant place to be.

Ask for Employee Ideas 

Employees often have great ideas about what could make their workplace healthier and more supportive. Regularly asking for their thoughts makes people feel listened to and valued. It can also bring up practical ideas for new wellness activities or ways to improve current ones. Understanding what employees think is a big part of creating a wellness plan that really works.

Wellness Tips For Remote Employees

Helping remote workers stay well needs a bit of a different plan, but it’s just as important. Here are some ways companies can support wellness for their teams working from home.

• Offer Online Wellness Challenges Remote workers can join in online challenges, like tracking daily steps, how much water they drink, or healthy eating. Sharing how they’re doing with colleagues can keep them motivated and feel connected.
• Start Daily Casual Chats Using online chat channels for daily, non-work questions or chats can help remote team members feel connected to their colleagues and less alone.
• Organize Online Social Get-Togethers Companies can host online events like virtual coffee breaks, online yoga or stretching, trivia games, or just informal chats. These events can help lift spirits and keep a sense of community.
• Providing Online Learning Online workshops or classes on things like healthy cooking, ways to manage stress, or setting up a good home office can give people useful information and skills.
• Check In Regularly Managers should schedule regular one-on-one meetings with remote staff to see how they’re doing. These check-ins are a chance to offer support, talk about any worries, and provide help or encouragement.

In the end, workplace wellness really comes down to creating a place where people feel supported in every part of their health. When companies make well-being a priority, they can build a more positive, effective, and strong team. This is good for everyone and helps make society healthier too.

Experience Workplace Wellness At The Sentry

Here at The Sentry, we think a great place to work is a must for getting things done and feeling happy. Our co-working space is made with your well-being as a top thought. We have workspaces carefully set up for comfort and focus, with good-for-you furniture and plenty of natural light. 

But it’s more than just the space. The Sentry helps build a friendly community where you can meet other professionals. We know work-life balance is important, so we offer things that help you build healthy habits and keep a clear head.

If you work for yourself or have a growing team, you’ll find The Sentry is a place that really looks after your overall wellness. We want to give you more than just a desk – we offer a place where you can do great work and feel great too. 

Come join us and find a workspace that puts your health and success first!