Simple changes that will improve employee health

Employers are beginning to understand the importance of having a healthy workforce. Since employees are the driving force of your company, it only makes sense that you want them to be at full productivity and health. However, employers also must understand that there is a delicate balance that must be understand and maintained, when it comes to influencing the choices your employees make, as it pertains to living a healthier lifestyle. You want to make sure that you avoid any discrimination issues against those who are less healthy, while you are still encouraging and empowering your employees to make healthier choices, for a better lifestyle. It has been shown that there are changes that can be made in the workplace that are highly effective. If you are looking to improve the health of your workforce, here are simple changes that will improve employee health-

• Issue a challenge-Competition can work as an effective tool, when it comes to improving employee health. Studies have shown that participants in any program are much more likely to achieve their goals, if there is an aspect of organized competition. Even just winning a competition, (without a monetary prize), can be a motivation, for employees who are looking to make changes. Keep in mind that these competitions do not have to complicated. Simply organizing sports teams or developing groups to work together can be enough to motivate employees. You could compete with other businesses, or just keep the competition within your business. Either way you should build up the competition, create some excitement, and get people enthused about working toward a goal. Your employees will be much more likely to get involved and best of all they will have a fun time doing it.
• Facilitate healthy eating-Employers should look closely at what food is being offering in their cafeterias and vending machines. You want to make sure that you are making it easier, for your employees to choose healthier eating options. It is important to create a culture that replaces the candy dish on the receptionist desk, or the junk food options in the vending machines, with healthier and more nutritious options. The reality is that if your make it inconvenient to get unhealthy food, and easier to choose healthier food, people will gravitate toward what is easier.
• Offer a reward-It is a basic premise of human nature to wonder "what's in it for me". If you offer your employees a reward, for healthier choices they are much more likely to do it. Keep in mind that not every reward needs to be money. People like to be recognized for doing a job well. Incentives can serve as a powerful motivation tool. From the employer's standpoint, offering an incentive can also be an economical way to motivate their employees. For example-Employers can offer one large prize to the winner of a fitness challenge, and still motivate an entire team. Keep in mind however, that it is important to choose rewards that will be of value to your employees. If you fail to offer prizes that have no value or are not of interest to the employee, it's just the same as offering no prize at all. Knowing your employees and what they will value will be a guiding force in what prizes you choose to offer.
• Re-evaluate health insurance-Many employers are choosing to reduce or even eliminate the preventive care part of their health insurance. This leaves employees being forced to choose between preventive care and routine screenings, or paying the bills. The reality is that employees often put their health at risk in order to avoid spending the money. This means that when problems are diagnosed they are further along, usually much more serious and definitely cost more to treat. The reality is that this doesn't save the employer, the money they thought it would. Paying for preventive care and routine screenings goes a long way toward improving employee health.