- Around 7.8 million workers missed work due to illness in January 2022, up from 3.7 million in January 2021.
- Maintaining a clean and healthy workspace can increase employee productivity and reduce absenteeism.
- Encouraging healthy eating habits and physical activity during work breaks can improve employee health and well-being.
- Improving workplace hygiene, such as regularly disinfecting surfaces and promoting hand-washing, can prevent the spread of illness among employees.
- Prioritizing employee health and well-being is a long-term investment that benefits employees and businesses.
In January 2022, the number of workers who missed work due to illness, injury, medical problem, or appointment was about 7.8 million. The figure is higher than the 3.7 million in January 2021. In the same month, around 4.2 million full-time workers had to work part-time due to similar issues, up from 1.8 million in January 2021.
As a business owner or entrepreneur, your employees are your biggest asset. Therefore, their health and well-being shouldn’t be ignored but instead prioritized. A healthy workforce can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism, and lower healthcare costs.
Rumor has it that happy and healthy employees are more productive in the workplace, so keeping your staff members fit and thriving pays off. This blog post will share tips and tricks on how to keep employees healthy at work.
Ensure a Clean Workplace
A clean workspace is beneficial to both employers and employees. It helps create a healthy, comfortable environment that can increase motivation and productivity. Employers should strive to maintain a high level of cleanliness in their workplace by setting up regular cleaning schedules, providing adequate supplies for employees to keep the workplace clean, and implementing policies about maintaining a tidy workspace.
Proper HVAC Maintenance
Keeping the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems running properly ensures a healthy and comfortable workspace. Regularly scheduled maintenance of HVAC equipment will help prevent the buildup of dust and dirt that can cause workers allergy symptoms or health problems. You should work with a reputable air duct cleaning service to facilitate maintenance. The service should be able to inspect and clean the HVAC system and make any necessary repairs.
Help Keep the Office Clean
Employees should also do their part in keeping the workplace clean. This includes wiping down surfaces after use, disposing of waste properly, and avoiding leaving behind personal items that can clutter the work area. It’s crucial to maintain a neat workspace for health and safety reasons and to create an inviting atmosphere that keeps employees motivated.
Encourage Healthy Eating Habits in the Workplace
Research shows that eating healthy is beneficial to both physical and mental health. As an employer, providing nutritious meals and snacks is essential. You could consider hiring a food vendor specializing in healthy meals or providing vending machines stocked with healthy snacks and drinks.
Nutrition Seminars
Consider hosting nutrition seminars and cooking classes to help employees learn more about healthy eating habits. Ensure to provide nutritional facts and labels on all food options in the workplace, so employees can make informed decisions.
Healthy Snacks
Finally, ensure there are healthy snacks available during meetings, as well as a designated break room with an eating area with access to healthy foods. Helping your employees develop healthier eating habits creates a more productive and positive work environment.
Encourage Physical Activity During Work Breaks
Sitting at a desk all day can lead to various health consequences. Therefore, you could encourage your employees to take daily physical activity breaks. This could include stretching sessions, walking meetings, or providing standing desks or exercise balls.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise helps improve mental health, so you’ll notice a positive impact on employee productivity. Taking physical activity breaks can give your employees a much-needed mental and physical break from the stresses of their job.
Improve Workplace Hygiene
Improving workplace hygiene is vital to keeping your workforce healthy. Encourage your employees to frequently wash their hands, especially during flu season. Also, consider providing hand sanitizers in the workplace and regularly disinfecting any frequently touched surfaces. These efforts may reduce the spread of germs, preventing illnesses from affecting multiple employees.
Clean the Workspace
You should also regularly clean and maintain the workspace. Dust, vacuum, and mop floors frequently to help keep germs at bay. Additionally, you may want to provide various cleaning supplies that employees can use to tidy up their work area. Doing this will ensure a cleaner workplace and better hygiene practices among your workers.
As a business owner, you must prioritize employee health and well-being. When workers are healthy, they are productive, and this positively impacts the business’s bottom line. Providing resources and continually seeking ways to improve employee health can be challenging, especially for small businesses. However, little by little, you can make a change that positively impacts your staff’s lives. Remember, keeping employees healthy at work is a long-term investment that pays off in the form of happier, healthier, and more motivated employees. So, apply these tips and tricks to make your organization a better work environment for your employees.
