Capitalize on New Year’s Resolutions to Improve Bottom Line

It’s that time of year when employees are motivated to get healthier, creating the perfect opportunity for employers to capitalize on getting higher productivity, lower health insurance claims, fewer sick days, better employee engagement, fewer workers’ comp claims, lower turnover, and higher retention. (Did I mention the Harvard Business Review showing $1:$6 ROI on wellness program investment?) Here are seven easy and cost-effective wellness ideas a company on any budget can implement.

1. Start a competition tracking fitness goals

Most employees concerned about fitness are already tracking steps, calories consumed, calories burned, or other fitness goals on their mobile or fitness tracking device. Spice it up by adding a little competition, with winners for top achievers or for everyone who achieves a specific goal.

2. Bring in fresh fruits and vegetables each day to share with staff

Cut the donuts and pastries. Healthy snacks provide good energy, help with weight control, and improve mood. If your company is unable to provide these for employees each day, have a sign-up sheet for employees to take turns bringing them in, perhaps with a small allotted budget to help sponsor the program.

3. Encourage an after-hours fitness class at work

Employees who exercise together, bond together. Not only will they be getting healthier, they’ll be building relationships that carry over to the workplace for enhanced employee morale.

4. Encourage break time

Bring in some footballs, hula hoops, hacky sacks, and volleyballs to make break time fun. Have a 30-second wall sitting challenge or see who can do a 60-second plank. Taking a mental break is rejuvenating, especially if it gets the blood flowing again.

5. Hold a walking meeting

If you sit most of the day in an office, walking will do a world of good with creativity and brainstorming. Bring along your mobile device to verbally add notes from your meeting.

6. Provide a gym membership

Depending on your budget, you can decide to cover the cost fully, partially, or based on participation. Imagine the difference between an employee coming into work after just rolling out of bed, versus an employee coming from the gym. Exercising creates endorphins that increase energy and carry over to enhance mood, positivity, and overall wellness. Which kind of staff member would you prefer to work next to or have customers interact with each day?

7. Have a water drinking challenge

Encourage employees to bring water bottles to work and track how many total ounces of water they drink each day. At the end of the week, provide small incentives for everyone who drank an average of 64 ounces of water each day.

For more ideas on how to improve your team’s mental and physical wellbeing, please contact one of our HR experts at HR@stratus.hr.