Sure, a gym membership is good. But a boss conscious of his employees’ health, that’s better! Here’s a realistic goal for a company that is invested in its well-being. Ten steps for initiating positive change.
A healthy approach to business is based on three elements: senior management participation, employee consultation and a structured methodology. According to Mario Messier, scientific director of the non-profit Health Group Companies, if these criteria are met, it will be successful.
1. Group lessons. Yoga, aerobics, zumba. These courses are by far the most popular fitness choices. All you need is an empty office and an instructor one to three times a week during lunch and voila, problem solved.
2. A makeshift gym. Rather than building an expensive gym, find a room in the building and add to it a treadmill, a stationary bike, jump ropes, free weights and a yoga mat. “There’s no need for a fully equipped gym. That’s the Cadillac!” states the health specialist at work.
3. Activities outside work. Cooking classes, outdoor hiking trips or a singles happy hour. Spending time with a boss and colleagues outside office hours allows employees to forge meaningful connections.
4. A healthy food supply. Rather than ordering pizza during a long meeting, employees should be encouraged to bring their home cooked meals. You can have fruit baskets delivered and replace the chocolate and soft drinks in vending machines with yogurt, apples and chocolate soymilk.
5. Nutritional color code. In the cafeteria, if it’s impossible to completely ban junk food, create a color code to make employees aware of their food choices. The salad bar gets a green sticker, the oatmeal cookie, a yellow dot and a poutine, red banner.
6. Standing workstations. Standing at your desk while working can promote blood circulation and fight the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. “We should not be standing motionless all day either. The idea is to move every so often,” says Messier.
7. An office daycare. Hiring an educator or reserving a spot at a nearby daycare centre can reduce travel time and stress for young parents.
8. A secure bike shelter. A locked bike area to prevent theft encourages employees to ride to work. Installing a shower room also promotes this healthy travel method.
9. Effective communication. Training managers to listen to employees and recognize their successes is crucial. “Recognition is important. It increases self-esteem and well-being at work, and in turn, employee productivity,” says Messier.
10. A private workspace. Open offices are fashionable but generate stress due to the constant distractions, let alone that one colleague who always speaks too loudly. A closed office promotes concentration.