Five Ways To Keep Employees Healthy

Keeping employees healthy can be a bigger chore than it seems. The obesity problem in America begins will processed foods and parts of the culture that are difficult to give up. But obesity can lead to disease and organ failure, so it is important to never get to that point. Keep medical bills down and employee morale up with these tips.

1. Bring In The Water
Office buildings are usually air conditioned to the point that people do not feel the need to drink much water. Thus many people are dehydrated and do not know it.
Water keeps the organs doing what they should. It keeps the brain running and the heart pumping regularly. Water can prevent headaches, stomachaches, and digestive problems.
Allow for coffee breaks during the day. Provide free water cups with lids that can be taken back to the desk. Also provide healthy snacks.
2. Healthy Snacking Is A Must
If vending machines are the option, load them up with healthy choices. Rather than calorie-laden foods that contain no nutritional value, bring in filling options. Stock it up with fruit, such as apples, granola, and whole wheat baked crackers and low-sugar natural juice.
When it comes to office meetings, forgo the usual donuts and sugary muffins. Instead provide sandwiches and natural orange juice. You can even cut out the caffeinated coffee for a non-caffeine herbal tea to wake people up without the drug. Health starts with just a few good choices.
When people start eating right they feel better about their environment and often treat others more kindly.
3. Ward Off Illness
Keep away the germs with these tips:
- Set up hand sanitizing stations throughout the office, as well as tissues and trash receptacles
- Make sure phones and doorknobs are sanitized daily by the cleaning staff
- Provide food that is individually wrapped
- Install a sign in each restroom to encourage proper hand washing
Too often does bacteria spread because precautions are not set in place. Make sure that if food is served at meetings there is a way to grab it without touching other portions.
Good hand washing and use of antibacterial gels have been proven to cut down on sickness. These things can keep bacteria from spreading in the office. No one wants to bring home a bug from work. Keep the home and office safe by implementing these practices.
4. Provide Free Shots
The government has set in place a way to prevent the spread of many diseases that once killed millions. Use the guidelines the government has so wisely set up by giving out free vaccinations for common aliments.
The cold and flu kills many each year and prevents others from coming to work. Host a "free shots" day for employees and their families or allow for free vaccinations in the benefits package.
Make sure that these health benefits are known throughout the company. Send out monthly mass emails regarding wellness.
5. Allow For Paid Sick Days
Oftentimes sick people go to work only to spread what they have to others. Many do not want to lose out on vacation days or pay. Others are afraid to miss deadlines or feel obligated to finish certain projects. Some just do not know how to call in sick.
Let everyone know about your company policies regarding sick days. Let people stay home and rest up to return sooner. This helps to foster positive feelings toward the company and boosts employee health and happiness.
Begin these health practices for employees today. Just a few shifts in the way things are run can be extremely beneficial to the health of all.