Workplace Wellness: Benefits + How to Incorporate It

Workplace wellness is a topic that isn't talked about enough, especially within the corporate world. Stress is one of the biggest issues our world faces today, and it needs to be addressed and dealt with. One way to work on this is through incorporating wellness practices in the workplace.

Why is wellness in the workplace so important? Because it's essential for employees to be treated well, providing them the means to improve their mental + physical health. We live in a highly competitive world that glorifies hustle culture and working multiple jobs. It's important that we take a moment to slow down, connect inwards and listen to what your body needs.

It's a known fact that stress reduces your immunity, and is the root cause of many ailments + diseases. By incorporating some healthy habits, or organizing wellness programs for employees, you will start to see positive changes in alertness, morale, productivity, critical thinking skills and overall wellbeing.

We believe that both, employers and employees, should make an active effort to incorporate wellness in the workplace. Not sure where to start? Let us help you...

How employees can incorporate workplace wellness:

Tip #1 - Schedule time to move

Instead of waiting until your body feels tense, schedule time to move your body and prevent that tension from turning into pain. Schedule a 2-min break every hour, to just stand up, walk or stretch. Any form of movement is better than none.

Tip #2 - Create a morning + evening routine

Before you jump straight into work, try to start your day with an activity that's going to set the tone for the rest of your day. This could be as simple as setting a goal or intention, deciding how you want to feel today and embodying it, naming one thing that you're grateful for at work, reciting powerful affirmations or even taking a few moments to just be present and connect with your breath.

And at the end of the day, before you head out, take a few minutes to just appreciate all that you've done for the day, acknowledge that work is now over, clear your mind and consciously try to release any stress or tension that you may be holding within, so you don't carry it back home with you.

Tip #3 - Hydrate, often

We've all heard it many times before, but how many of you actually drink 2 litres of water a day? If you do, we're so proud of you - keep it up!

If you don't, we know the struggle. A great tip is to invest in a 1 or 2 litre reusable water bottle (some of which even come with a carry strap), and take it with you everywhere.

Insider tip: We personally tend to consume more water in each sitting when using a bottle with a straw, so hopefully that helps you too.

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How employers can incorporate workplace wellness:

Tip #1 - Allowing flexible working hours + days

Everyone leads different lives, and everyone has different needs + situations to deal with. It's important to be mindful of this, and accept that not everyone can be fully available from 9am-6pm, all 5 days a week. It's beneficial to employees if their companies are flexible with adjusting their work hours at times, taking WFH days, or allowing half-days when it's a slow season or someone has completed their work early for example. This not only allows employees to feel supported + valued, but also more secure + satisfied in their jobs.

Tip #2 - Organize wellness activities

This can include a form of movement, mindfulness, meditation, journaling, creative exercises, team building activities or even a workshop to educate or inspire them. This not only encourages your employees to prioritize their wellbeing, but it allows them to experience something new and if they enjoy it, could possibly become a regular practice.

It also really helps to gift your employees access to a wellness studio or membership, or provide them with an allowance that they can use towards a gym or wellness activity of their choice.

Tip #3 - Encourage healthy habits in the workplace

Employers have a big role to play in an employee's job satisfaction, and one way to improve this is by simply encouraging healthy habits in the workplace. A healthier workforce is not only better for the team, but the company as well. Here are a few ideas you can start with:

• Keeping water dispensers + reminding everyone to drink a glass every hour

• Stocking healthy snacks for the team to enjoy

• Promoting open communication + coming to you when there's a problem

• Encouraging them to say no when they can't take something new on

• Reminding them to keep their desks tidy + clutter-free

• Encourage them to get up often, move, walk around or even stretch

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We cannot stress enough (pun intended) how important workplace wellness is in today's fast-paced world. Corporate wellness has been proven to increase employees' happiness, improve productivity, reduce stress levels, lessen chances of burnout, reduce absenteeism + sick leaves, and improve their physical + mental health.

Looking to book a Corporate Wellness session? Book a free 20-min consultation call with us, and we will guide you through the different services we can offer you - each session tailored to match the needs and goals of your company + employees.