Tactics For A Healthier Workforce During Winter

Companies who create environments encouraging a healthy and happy workforce can make for a more productive team. Employees who take part in their workplace health programs are three times more likely to be engaged and satisfied with their jobs. (Keas.com)

Here’re tactics on how to keep your employees healthy during winter:

• Prevent the spread of germs.

The flu alone costs U.S. companies $10.4 billion in direct costs including hospitalizations and outpatient visits. (Centers for Disease Control) Keep soap, towels, and cleaning products stocked and available to employees. Companies can place tissue boxes and hand sanitizer around the office to prevent germs on door handles and office supplies.

• Encourage sick employees to stay home

Encouraging sick employees not to come to work is a great way to prevent others from receiving the same sickness. Companies should talk to the employees about productivity while working at home to ensure that work is completed.

• Promote healthy food choices

Support healthy food choices by providing an assortment of healthy food options like fresh fruits, granola bars, and healthy snacks in the lunch room for employees. 73.7% of employees want healthy cafeteria and vending machine options (theundercoverrecruiter.com). Inspire employees to participate in healthy eating habits at work and home. Newsletters, bulletin boards, and flyers can encourage healthy meals and food options for the company.

• Create wellness programs and challenges

Adults who exercise regularly are 43% less likely to contract upper respiratory infections during the winter according to theundercoverrecruiter.com. The company can create challenges for employees to complete such as a marathon or working out for charity.  Some local gyms have group packages where businesses can get a lower rate when providing gym memberships to employees.