Is your office a healthy place for your employees?

When you’re running a small business, health isn’t always the first thing on your mind. It’s probably not even second. You’re focused on growing your business in every way possible. But don’t forget about health completely.

Consider this quote from the Dalai Lama: “We sacrifice our health in order to make wealth, then we sacrifice our wealth in order to get back our health.” You don’t need to swing the pendulum all the way back in the other direction. Instead, here are some simple ways that you can make your office a healthier place for you and for your employees. And as you do, you’ll find that employee wellness can lead to a host of benefits to your employees and your business.

Get rid of the candy bowl or soda stash. Studies show that office workers gain weight over time when there’s a candy bowl or soda machine in close proximity. According to Cornell University, the average American worker is putting on seven pounds a year eating candy and chocolate at work! Consider replacing your candy bowl with a basket of fresh fruit or packaged healthy snacks. Bring healthy snacks to share with your team. 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.

Make meetings healthier. Consider offering bottled water instead of soda and ditching the doughnuts in favor of a healthier snack. If you are bringing in lunch, consider a salad or other low-calorie options.

Offer an employee wellness plan. Provide your employees with tools they can use to become healthier. Whether it’s a meditation app, cooking classes or discounted gym memberships, research shows that employee wellness plans can help people live longer and healthier lives (and become more productive, creative and engaged on the job). Wellness plans also have shown to reduce time away from work due to illness.

Try walking meetings. Walk and talk? Yes! Studies show that walking meetings can help employees become healthier and more creative. It may seem a bit strange at first, but you may find that your employees (and you) like it!

Ask employees for ideas. Most people these days are trying to be healthier. If you’re a business owner, why not ask employees what they think the company should offer? Discounted gym memberships? Walking sessions? Help from a healthy eating expert? One company offers employees the opportunity to take 20-minute walking sessions each day. Allowing your employees to let you know what they’d like to see can help provide the impetus for them to participate.

Let’s keep your health, and wealth, looking good for years to come.