It’s that time of year when everyone is coming up with ways to better themselves to get healthy, to exercise more, to be happier, and kinder.
According to research from YouGov, some of the most popular New Year’s resolutions made by the public include:
- Eat better
- Exercise more
- Spend less
- Improved self-care
- Read more
- Learn a skill.
It’s not surprising that so many health and wellbeing resolutions top the lists, following Christmas and New Year’s celebration which can lead to more than a little over-indulgence. But why is it that when the next New Year rolls around, so many of us find ourselves making the same old promises to ourselves?
The fact of the matter is, good intentions are one thing, but sticking to them is quite another. Despite the difficulties faced with resolutions, there are a number of ways employers can help encourage staff to stand firm on their health and wellbeing resolutions this year.
Healthier eating
Employers have the opportunity to raise awareness about healthy eating by making sure there are leaflets and materials accessible, perhaps in the kitchen or dining area. They can also offer better options such as free fruit, or provide vending machines that provide healthier options than the standard crisps, chocolate etc.
If a company has a culture of lots of eating out at lunch time, it might be advisable at the start of the year to make a determined effort to select healthier places to eat. The last thing someone on a health kick wants is temptation thrown their way in the form of a pizza or some other similarly unhealthy eating option.
Exercise more
If there’s room in the budget for such perks, discounted membership to gyms and fitness classes can be one way of motivating employees to get some exercise. Alternatively, businesses can organise sports teams or fun runs as a cheaper way to get everyone involved. Lunchtime running clubs are often an easy option to get started.
Sometimes, employees may not feel that they have enough time to commit to exercise, in which case, some form of flexible working or working from home can be useful useful. The time gained by ditching a commute could be used to burn calories at the gym, or they could get down to the gym at off-peak hours. Alternatively, they might even be able to make the commute part of their exercise regime by cycling into work, or even getting off public transport a few stop earlier to walk or run the rest of the way.
Self-care
Employers can encourage self-care by keeping staff educated about what this means, including getting enough sleep, learning to switch off and not constantly checking emails, plus awareness of methods on how to cope with stress and anxiety. Introducing a policy of switching off devices and not replying to work-related messages after work hours can be a good start here.
In addition, there are plenty of gadgets and apps to help monitor sleep quality and heart rates, and even to help people learn how to mediate and relax.
What’s in it for employers?
Ultimately, healthier and happier employees are more likely to be more productive at work. With support from their employers, they are more likely to give more at work and help foster a positive working environment for all in the workplace.
There are plenty of ways employers can lend a helping hand and these don’t necessarily have to involve huge investments of time and money. You never know, making some steps to support your employees might be the difference between establishing firm good habits during a healthier year, or setting the very same goals again next New Year’s Eve.
