Personnel(ly) Speaking
Personnel Management Systems, Inc.
Promoting a Healthy Workforce
In the last ten years or so, “health” and “healthy” have been common buzz words in mainstream media. Doesn’t it seem like there is always a new fitness expert on the news promoting the latest workout craze, or a new diet in the media claiming it has the secret to fast weight loss? As an employer, whether these diet and workout solutions truly work does not really matter. What should be of interest to employers is this underlying message: Individual health is extremely important.
What does healthy mean?
health, noun[1]
The general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor.
health·y, adjective[2]
Possessing or enjoying good health or a sound and vigorous mentality.
Obviously “health” and “healthy” are both common words and their definitions are generally known. The definitions are included here as an important reminder that health not only means physical health, but also mental health. As an employer, you can encourage a mentally and physically healthy workforce in several different ways. After all, promoting a healthy workforce can benefit your company.
How can a healthy workforce benefit my company?
Exercise can help reduce health risks and help manage chronic conditions.[3] With health care costs continuing to rise, employers can take an active role in controlling these costs. If you give employees the tools to help decrease their health risks and manage their chronic conditions, you may eventually see a decrease in your group healthcare costs.
The American College of Sports Medicine released a study in June 2005 finding exercise, specifically mid-day exercise, can help increase employee productivity.[4]
Exercise releases endorphins. Endorphins improve employees’ moods which can help decrease stress. Employees in “good” moods with a low level of stress generally work together better and quite frankly, are more pleasant to be around!
So what can I do to promote a physically and mentally healthy workforce?
When the weather cooperates, encourage employees to go outside for a quick 15-20 minute walk, or another type of activity. If the weather does not cooperate, offer an indoor activity, such as yoga or Pilates. Regular exercise (at least 20 minutes three times per week) can help decrease stress.[5]
If you buy soda pop and chips for your employees, consider buying nutritious snacks, fruit drinks, and bottled water instead. Healthy eating (avoiding sugar, saturated fat and drinking bottled water) can help decrease stress. [6]
Co-recreational sports leagues offer organized team play for sports ranging from soccer and softball to dodge ball, kickball and flag football. This is a great way to promote team building outside the office while at the same time providing your employees a fun venue for exercise.
Most cities host “fun runs” and walks for various charities throughout the year. The company can send out reminders each month for the upcoming events. In preparation for an event, consider establishing a training goal with a set number of miles for the group to reach. Employees can submit their training miles each week and the company can see how many miles the group walks or runs collectively.
Providing an on-site gym is not practical for most employers. Employers can still encourage fitness by offering discounted gym memberships or paying for the full membership. If you seriously consider this option, remember some gyms offer promotional rates to companies for employee memberships.
Employers can organize and pay for onsite flu shots, or merely provide your employees with information on when and where to get them.
Did you know humor helps decrease stress? A recent article by Forbes.com listed laughter as one of the best workplace stress relievers.[7] Employees should be encouraged to laugh, share clean, appropriate jokes and see humor in most situations.
Promoting a healthy workforce can benefit your employees and the company. We encourage you to try a few of the above suggestions, or combine several suggestions into a formal Wellness Program for your employees. If you need assistance creating a Wellness Program for your company, or have other Human Resource issues, please call Personnel Management Systems, Inc.
Personnel(ly) Speaking is a monthly comment on HR issues of importance. It is intended to provide general information and must not be construed as legal advice. Reproductions are allowed as long as credit for this information is given to PMSI. We welcome your comments, questions, and concerns. © PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, INC., Corporate Office (425) 576-1900, Colorado Office (720) 497-0200, www.hrpmsi.com.
[1] “Health” www.dictionary.reference.com
[2] “Healthy” www.dictionary.reference.com
[3] “Aerobic exercise: What 30 minutes a day can do” by Mayo Clinic Staff; February 16, 2007. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/aerobic-exercise/EP00002
[4] “Mid-Day Exercise Improves Employee Productivity” - http://www.acsm.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Search&template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=4174
[5] “Cut the Stress” by Kathryn Taylor, May 2003, HR Magazine, Vol. 48, No. 5
[6] “Cut the Stress” by Kathryn Taylor, May 2003, HR Magazine, Vol. 48, No. 5
[7] “Best Workplace Stress Relievers” by Allison Van Dusen, May 2, 2007,
http://www.forbes.com/health/2007/05/01/stress-health-office-forbeslife-cx_avd_0502stress.html