4 ways to incorporate wellness into your workday

Small businesses often don’t have a lot of money to spend on employee benefits, let alone wellness programs. But there are a number of things you can do to help make your office a healthier place. Here are four ways to incorporate wellness into your—and your employees’—workday:

Make meetings healthier. Are you in charge of meetings? Consider offering bottled or seltzer water instead of soda and ditching donuts in favor of a healthier snack. Have you ever tried to have a meeting while walking? The average office worker sits about 9.5 hours a day. Studies show that walking meetings offer a host of benefits, such as improved health, lower healthcare costs, and a reduced number of sick days used.

Provide healthy snacks. Studies show that office workers gain weight over time when there’s a candy bowl in close proximity. According to Cornell University, the average American worker puts on 7 pounds a year eating candy and chocolate at work! Consider replacing your candy bowl with a basket of fresh fruit or packaged healthy snacks. And don’t forget to bring healthy snacks and beverages from home each day so you don’t have to resort to the office vending machine.

Collaborate about wellness. Most people these days are trying to be healthier. Why not ask your co-workers or employees if they are interested in any wellness initiatives? Weekly meetings among colleagues trying to adopt healthier habits also can be helpful. Studies show that having friends, co-workers and/or family members who are supportive of your health goals is vital for long-term success.

Encourage movement. Encouraging regular movement breaks for you and your employees. Just like a well-oiled machine benefits from periodic maintenance, our bodies thrive with short breaks throughout the day. Whether it’s a quick stretch session, a brief walk around the office, or a moment to stand and refresh, these breaks not only boost physical health but also enhance mental clarity and productivity. Make sure your employees know that it is okay to get up and move around. One company offers employees the opportunity to take 20-minute walking sessions each day.

Remember, a healthy team is a happy and more efficient team, contributing to the success of your business in the long run. And if they see you modeling healthier behavior, they will be more likely to join in. There’s a lot you can do, even without a formal wellness program at work. Get your creative juices flowing!