10 Ways to Promote Healthy Habits in the Workplace

Healthy habits in the workplace can have a positive snowball effect across any organisation.

In a world where the pace of work is often relentless, taking the time to embed health-conscious practices within the office culture is not just a nod to the wellbeing of employees, but a driving force for enhanced productivity and general morale.

The alarming uptick in work-related stress and subsequent health issues underscores the urgency of healthy workplace habits.

This blog aims to highlight the concept of healthy workplace habits, draw a clear line between these and their unhealthy counterparts, and provide a roadmap of ten actionable steps towards nurturing a culture of wellness among the daily workflow.

The transition towards a healthier workplace is not a lofty ideal, but an attainable goal with concerted effort.

Contents

10 Ways to Promote Healthy Habits in the Workplace

What is a Healthy Workplace Habit?

What are Unhealthy Workplace Habits?

Why is it Important to Promote Healthy Habits?

10 Ways to Promote Healthy Habits in the Workplace

Creating a health-conscious environment within a workspace is a multi-faceted approach.

It’s not about merely providing a few facilities or making singular changes but about cultivating a culture that prioritises wellbeing.

Below are ten actionable steps that can be adopted to foster healthy habits in the workplace, ensuring a happier and more productive team.

1. Provide Training to Encourage Healthy Habits

Knowledge is the first step towards change.

Providing training to employees about the importance of healthy habits can significantly impact their daily choices.

Workshops and seminars can be organised to educate the staff on various aspects of health, such as nutrition, exercise, mental health, and stress management.

At Loving Life, we deliver a “Create Life-Changing Habits” workshop that has a lasting positive impact on the healthy habits of employees.

This workshop is meticulously designed to instill life-altering healthy habits that transcend the boundaries of the workplace, assisting individuals in embracing a holistic approach to health.

By engaging in such training programs, employees are not only educated about the importance of health, but are also provided with practical tools and strategies to incorporate these habits into their daily routine, both at work and home.

Through education and training, employees can become well-versed in recognizing the choices that contribute to a healthier lifestyle.

2. Create a Supportive Environment

A supportive environment is pivotal for promoting healthy habits among employees.

This involves creating a workspace that supports the wellbeing of its occupants both physically and mentally.

Here are a few steps to achieve this:

Physical Environment

Ensure that the office premises are clean, well-ventilated, and have ample natural light.

Ergonomic furniture can significantly reduce physical strain.

Additionally, having plants around the office can purify the air and create a more tranquil ambiance.

Mental Wellbeing

Foster an open culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their challenges and stressors with their supervisors or HR.

Providing access to mental health resources or counselling services can be invaluable.

Encouragement from Leadership

When leadership actively participates in and promotes healthy habits, it sends a strong message to the entire organisation.

Leaders can set the tone by incorporating health and wellbeing into the organisational values and leading by example.

Accessible Resources

Having resources such as a small library of health-related books, subscription to wellness apps, or even having a massage therapist or fitness expert come in for regular sessions can be very beneficial.

Flexible Working Hours

Offer flexible working hours or remote work options to help employees maintain a good work-life balance.

This not only reduces stress but also allows employees to take care of their health and family needs.

Creating a supportive environment is about making a concerted effort to prioritise the wellbeing of everyone within the organisation.

This, in turn, cultivates a culture that values health, thereby promoting healthy work habits seamlessly in the daily work routine.

3. Implement Regular Breaks

Regular breaks are essential to prevent burnout and maintain high levels of productivity. Here’s how you can implement this strategy:

Scheduled Breaks

Encourage employees to take short breaks every hour to stretch, walk around, or simply step away from their workstations.

A change of scenery, even briefly, can rejuvenate the mind and body.

Break Rooms

Designate a comfortable space where employees can relax during their breaks.

A well-equipped break room with comfortable seating, healthy snacks, and some form of entertainment can make break times more enjoyable.

Mindfulness Breaks

Introduce mindfulness or meditation breaks to help employees de-stress.

Guided meditation sessions or simple breathing exercises can go a long way in reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.

Educational Breaks

Promote the idea of using break time for self-improvement or learning.

Providing access to educational materials or organising short learning sessions on various topics can be a good way.

These could be wellbeing webinars on health-related topics.

4. Promote Physical Activity

Promoting physical activity is paramount to maintaining good health.

Here are some actionable steps:

On-site Fitness Facilities

If possible, provide an on-site gym or fitness facility.

Having a convenient location to exercise can significantly increase the likelihood of employees engaging in physical activity.

Fitness Challenges

Organise fitness challenges to encourage employees to stay active.

Whether it’s a step challenge, a group workout session, or a friendly competition among teams, making fitness fun and engaging can foster a culture of physical activity.

Walking Meetings

Instead of traditional sit-down meetings, propose the idea of walking meetings.

This simple change can promote movement, enhance creativity, and provide a break from the usual office setting.

Ergonomic Workstations

Offer standing desks or ergonomic chairs to promote better posture and reduce physical strain.

Making the workspace conducive to physical health will encourage employees to adopt healthier habits.

These strategies not only promote physical health but also create a sense of camaraderie and engagement among employees

This can contribute to a more positive and health-conscious work environment.

5. Offer Healthy Eating Options

Promoting healthy eating is a practical step towards a healthier workplace.

Here’s how it can be done:

Healthy Snacks

Stock the break room and staff communal areas with nutritious snack options such as fruits, nuts, and whole grains rather than processed snacks.

Water Stations

Ensure there are enough water stations around the workplace to encourage hydration.

You could also provide reusable water bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Dehydrated employees can mean low productivity, low morale and fatigued staff members.

Nutrition Workshops

Organise workshops or bring in nutrition experts to educate employees on making healthier food choices.

Healthy Catering

Opt for caterers who provide nutritious meal options during meetings or events.

Encourage a culture of healthy eating by showcasing it in company-hosted events.

Eating healthy can help employees in a range of ways and offering healthy food options is a great way to encourage it.

6. Establish a No Smoking Policy

Creating a smoke-free workplace is beneficial for the health of all employees:

Clear Policies

Establish clear policies against smoking within the workplace premises.

Make sure these policies are well-communicated to all employees.

Support for Quitting

Offer support to employees who wish to quit smoking by providing resources or reimbursement for smoking cessation programs.

Smoke-free Environment

Ensure that there are no designated smoking areas within the workplace premises, to discourage smoking during work hours.

Educational Resources

Provide information on the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting.

Education is a powerful tool in promoting healthier habits.

Implementing a no smoking policy not only promotes a healthier work environment but also sets a standard of health-consciousness within the organisational culture.

7. Encourage Regular Health Check-ups

Regular health check-ups can nip potential health issues in the bud, promoting a culture of preventive healthcare among employees.

Here’s how:

Health Screenings

Organise periodic health screenings within the workplace for various common conditions such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and glucose levels.

Early detection can lead to better management and treatment.

Provide Employee Health Insurance

Offer insurance plans that cover regular check-ups and preventive care.

This can incentivise employees to stay on top of their health.

Health Fairs

Host health fairs where employees can learn about various health issues, get screened, and meet with healthcare professionals for advice.

Provide Health Related Information

Regularly share information about nearby medical facilities and encourage employees to seek medical attention when necessary.

Health screenings can be a massive help in preventing dangerous health conditions before they arise.

8. Develop a Habit-Tracking and Support Program

Creating a program that allows employees to track their healthy habits and provides support can create a community of health-conscious individuals within the workplace.

Here’s how:

Habit-Tracking Platform

Utilise a platform where employees can log their daily healthy habits such as water intake, exercise, and mindfulness practices.

Apps like Habitify can help with this.

Group Challenges

Create workplace wellness challenges that encourage employees to engage in healthy habits together, fostering both a sense of community and accountability.

Support Groups

Form support groups for different areas of health and wellness, providing a space for employees to share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

Regular Progress Check-ins

Establish regular check-ins to discuss progress, share successes, and address any challenges employees are facing in maintaining their healthy habits.

Accountability and direct support from colleagues and employers can have a massive contribution to employees adopting and sticking with healthy workplace habits.

9. Promote Open Communication

Open communication can foster a supportive atmosphere, making it easier for employees to share their concerns and find solutions to manage their health better.

Here’s how:

Feedback Channels

Establish clear channels for feedback where employees can express their concerns or suggestions regarding workplace wellness without fear of retribution.

Regular Check-ins

Managers should have regular check-ins with their team members to discuss not just work-related matters, but also any health or wellness concerns they might have.

Health and Wellness Committees

Form committees or focus groups tasked with evaluating and improving the wellness culture in the workplace.

Create “Wellbeing Champions” who can lead the charge with supporting employee health.

Encourage employee participation to ensure a diverse range of perspectives.

Transparent Communication

Ensure that communication about health and wellness programs, policies, and benefits is clear, accessible, and transparent to all employees.

10. Recognise and Reward Healthy Behaviours

Recognition and rewards can act as a great motivator for employees to adopt and maintain healthy habits.

Here are some strategies:

Incentive Programs

Develop incentive programs that reward employees for healthy behaviours, such as participating in fitness challenges, attending wellness workshops, or achieving personal health goals.

Recognition

Publicly recognise and celebrate the healthy achievements of employees, whether it’s a significant health milestone, participation in a wellness event, or contributions to promoting a healthy workplace culture.

Employee recognition con motivate and encourage them to continue with their efforts.

Health and Wellness Competitions

Organise competitions around health and wellness themes, with attractive prizes to motivate participation.

Discounts and Perks

Offer discounts on gym memberships, wellness apps, or health-related products as part of the employee benefits package.

These 10 strategies are great ways to encourage healthy habits in the workplace.

However, for them to work, you must take action and start implementing them.

What is a Healthy Workplace Habit?

A healthy workplace habit is a pattern of behaviour or an action adopted within a work setting that significantly contributes to the enhancement of physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing of individuals and teams.

These habits are fundamental in fostering a positive, productive, and harmonious workplace culture.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of healthy workplace habits:

Physical Wellness Habits

Regular Movement and Exercise

• Incorporating short stretching or walking breaks throughout the workday to alleviate physical strain.
• Organising group fitness activities or challenges to encourage physical exercise.

Ergonomic Work Environments

• Ensuring workstations are ergonomically designed to prevent physical discomfort or injury.
• Providing ergonomic furniture and equipment like adjustable chairs, sit-stand desks, and keyboard/mouse pads.

Healthy Eating and Hydration

• Providing access to nutritious snacks and meals in the workplace.
• Encouraging regular water intake by having water dispensers or coolers readily available.

Mental and Emotional Wellness Habits

Mindfulness and Stress Management

• Promoting mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga to manage stress.
• Offering workshops or access to resources on stress management techniques.

Open Communication

• Encouraging open channels of communication where employees feel comfortable sharing their concerns or challenges.
• Providing a supportive environment where mental health is acknowledged and addressed.

Regular Breaks

• Promoting the importance of taking regular breaks to refresh and recharge.
• Designating quiet and relaxing spaces for employees to unwind.

Team and Social Wellness Habits

Positive Interactions

• Fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and positive interpersonal interactions.
• Organising team-building activities to enhance camaraderie and collaboration.

Supportive Environment

• Creating a supportive culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone’s contributions are valued.
• Establishing mentorship programs to provide guidance and support to employees.

Professional Development Habits

Continuous Learning

• Encouraging continuous learning and professional development through workshops, training, and educational resources.
• Promoting a culture of feedback and constructive criticism for growth.

Effective Time Management

• Teaching and practicing effective time management and organisational skills to handle workloads efficiently.
• Promoting a balanced approach to meeting professional deadlines while maintaining personal wellbeing.

Safety and Hygiene Habits

Safety Protocols

• Adhering to established safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
• Regular training on safety practices and emergency response procedures.

Hygiene and Cleanliness

• Maintaining a clean, organised, and hygienic work environment.
• Promoting hygiene practices like regular handwashing and providing sanitization stations.

Healthy workplace habits, when ingrained within the organisational culture, not only foster a conducive environment for individual wellbeing but also significantly enhance overall productivity, employee satisfaction, and organisational success.

What are Unhealthy Workplace Habits?

Unhealthy workplace habits are behaviours or practices that negatively impact an individual’s or a group’s physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing within the work environment.

These habits often contribute to a toxic or stressful workplace culture, which can, in turn, affect overall productivity, employee morale, and job satisfaction.

Here’s a detailed exploration of some common unhealthy workplace habits across various domains:

Unhealthy Physical Wellness Habits

Sedentary Behaviour

• Spending long hours seated without any physical movement can lead to various health issues like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Poor Ergonomics

• Ignoring ergonomic principles when setting up workstations can cause physical strain, repetitive stress injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Ignoring Hygiene

• Not maintaining personal and environmental hygiene can lead to the spread of infections and illnesses.

Poor Dietary Choices

• Binge eating or regularly consuming unhealthy processed foods can negatively impact the health of an individual
• Regularly drinking unhealthy beverages or excessively drinking alcohol.

Unhealth Mental and Emotional Wellness Habits

Experiencing Chronic Stress and Burnout

• Continuous high-stress levels without relief can lead to burnout, affecting mental health and job performance.

Lack of Boundaries

• Failing to establish a work-life balance, like responding to work emails after hours or skipping vacations, can create chronic stress and burnout.

Negative Thinking and Communication

• Engaging in negative talk, gossip, or harboring pessimistic attitudes can foster a toxic work environment and affect mental health.

Unhealthy Team and Social Wellness Habits

Poor Communication

• Lack of clear communication can lead to misunderstandings, conflicts, and a lack of trust among team members.

Exclusion and Discrimination

• Practices of discrimination, bias, or exclusion can create a hostile work environment, affecting team morale and individual wellbeing.

Lack of Recognition or Appreciation

• Not recognising or appreciating employees’ efforts can lead to decreased motivation, job satisfaction, and self-esteem.

Unhealthy Professional Development Habits

Resistance to Feedback

• Not being open to receiving or giving constructive feedback can hinder personal and professional growth.

Lack of Continuous Learning:

• Ignoring opportunities for skill development and learning can lead to stagnation and decreased job performance.

Unhealthy Safety and Environmental Wellness Habits

Ignoring Safety Protocols

• Neglecting safety guidelines can result in accidents, injuries, and hazardous work conditions.

Environmental Negligence

• Not adhering to environmental guidelines or practices can lead to a harmful work environment, affecting both individuals and the broader community.

Unhealthy workplace habits can have profound implications, not only on individual health and wellbeing but also on the overall organisational culture and success.

Addressing these habits and working towards creating a healthier, more supportive work environment is crucial for fostering a thriving, productive, and satisfied workforce.

Why is it Important to Promote Healthy Habits?

Promoting healthy habits in a workplace is important to maintain a happy and healthy workforce.

This can create a ripple effect of positivity and wellbeing among individuals, teams, and the broader organisational culture.

Below is a deeper exploration into the significance of fostering healthy habits:

Enhanced Productivity

Healthy habits like regular physical activity, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep significantly contribute to improved concentration, memory, and creativity, all of which are essential for enhanced productivity.

Reduced Absenteeism

By promoting a culture of health, organisations can reduce absenteeism caused by illnesses or health-related issues.

Healthier employees are less likely to call in sick, which in turn, supports continuous workflow and project timelines.

Improved Employee Morale and Satisfaction

When employees feel cared for and supported in their wellness journey, job satisfaction, and morale skyrocket.

A positive, health-centric culture fosters a sense of belonging and appreciation, contributing to a happier workforce.

Attraction and Retention of Talent

A workplace that values and promotes healthy habits is more likely to attract and retain top talent.

The emphasis on wellbeing showcases the organisation’s commitment to its employees, making it an attractive place to work.

Reduced Healthcare Costs

Encouraging preventive healthcare measures and healthy living can lead to reduced healthcare expenses.

Organisations may also experience lower health insurance premiums when employee wellness is prioritised.

Enhanced Company Reputation

Being known for a strong wellness culture enhances the company’s reputation among stakeholders, clients, and the community.

It reflects a forward-thinking, people-centric approach to business.

Promotion of Mental Health

Addressing mental health, reducing stress, and promoting a work-life balance are critical for creating a wholesome work environment.

It contributes to the mental resilience and emotional stability of the workforce.

Encouragement of Teamwork and Camaraderie

Healthy habits promotion often involves group activities and team challenges that foster teamwork, camaraderie, and a sense of community among employees.

Long-term Individual and Organisational Growth

The adoption of healthy habits supports the long-term growth and development of individuals, which in turn, contributes to the overall growth and success of the organisation.

Legal Compliance and Reduced Liability

Encouraging healthy habits helps in adhering to health and safety regulations, reducing legal liabilities.

A proactive approach to health and wellness demonstrates compliance with legal mandates, protecting the organisation from potential lawsuits, fines, or penalties.

Environmental Responsibility

Promoting eco-friendly practices like recycling and energy conservation showcases environmental responsibility.

It aligns the organisation with societal values, contributes to a positive public image, and often leads to cost savings while ensuring compliance with environmental laws.

Overall, implementing healthy habits into workplace is a forward-thinking move that spells out success, satisfaction, and sustainability.

It’s about crafting a workspace that breathes wellness, nurturing a tribe that appreciates good health, and fostering a culture that thrives on positivity.

As you step into this wellness journey, remember, every effort counts, and the ripple effect of simple healthy habits can trigger a wave of profound change across your organisation.

So, here’s to fostering a thriving work culture filled with healthy habits.

Your team will thank you, and your future self will too!

Author 

Tyler Lowe – Health & Wellbeing Speaker

BSc Sport & Exercise Rehabilitation