Launching Workplace Wellbeing Day 2016, Minister for Health Leo Varadkar said: “A healthy workplace is a happier and more productive workplace. That’s true for both staff and employers. We spend so much of our lives at work that it makes sense for so many reasons to foster a healthy workplace. It creates a happier environment, reduces sick leave, increases productivity, and helps to beat the Monday blues. So I would encourage everyone to take part on the day. The Government will also shortly be launching a new obesity policy so I’m encouraged that industry is already taking a role to improve public health.”
Small Firms Association Director, Patricia Callan said “Over 4 million days are lost in Ireland due to absenteeism by small businesses alone³. As this research shows, employers of all sizes and from all sectors are doing a lot already. But employers should do more to promote these initiatives and encourage staff to get involved. Workplace wellbeing is in everyone’s interest and 8th April is a good day to start.”
What can your company do?
1. Healthy eating initiatives
2. Health screening
3. (Lunchtime) walks
4. Fruit bowls
5. Mindfulness/yoga for staff
6. Promotion of bike to work scheme
7. Smoothies
8. Promotion of membership at nearest gym
9. Training for a 5K run
10. Pedometer challengesWorkplace Wellbeing Day ideas to get you started ….
- 5-a-day…place fresh fruit bowls around the office
- Offer new healthy options on canteen menus and in vending machines
- Host healthy meetings – download our guidelines
- Organise special employee health screenings on the day
- Promote lunchtime walks & runs – identify local routes of varying length and difficulty
- Invite a local gym or personal trainer in to host special exercise classes in your premises
- Arrange healthy cooking demonstrations in the canteen
- 5 –a-side – between departments or neighbouring companies
- Bring in experts for wellbeing talks on topics selected by your staff
- Promote the cycle to work scheme
Courtesy of Nutrition & Health Foundation