10 Keys to Building a Healthy Workforce
A healthy workforce can go a long way toward maximizing an employer's return-on-employee investment. Here are 10 tips for building a healthy workforce:
1. Design and implement a workplace injury and illness prevention program. Make sure the plan includes a written policy for all employees, emergency preparedness, and proper job training.
2. Make sure all employees' work areas are ergonomically correct. They should be well-lit and contain chairs and desks at the proper height to discourage the potential for repetitive strain injuries.
3. Use your employee bulletin board and employee newsletter to promote preventive health measures such as nutrition education and stress management.
4. Encourage your employees to eat right by stocking lunchroom vending machines with healthy snacks such as granola bars and pretzels, in addition to potato chips and candy bars. Set an example by ordering healthy food for company functions.
5. Give your employees access to an Employee Assistance Program. Research shows that offering a confidential resource where they can go saves money, lowers utilization of medical benefits, and reduces absenteeism.
6. Promote the importance of exercising by setting up a breaktime or lunchtime walking program. A 15- or 30-minute brisk stroll can clear the head, provide a good cardiovascular workout, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Employees who exercise regularly have been shown to be more productive.
7. Encourage your employees to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life. Although certain projects can require long hours, celebrate a project's completion by throwing a party and inviting employees and their families.
8. Support your community. Corporate volunteerism has proven to improve employee morale and support a better quality of life where employees live and work.
9. Be responsive to the special needs of your employees. If you have young employees who have or who are starting families, provide information about prenatal care or classes on child raising. Older workers might appreciate information about caregiving support. If you have a multicultural workforce, become aware of language and cultural needs to improve communication and maintain employee satisfaction.
10. Select a health plan that supports your health incentives - one that offers worksite health programs, literature, and videos for all employees.
Source: CareAmerica Health Plan, Woodland Hills, CA.
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