Health and Wellbeing within the workplace is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s 9-5. But what does it mean?

Health and Wellbeing within the workplace is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s 9-5. But what does it mean?

There is no standard rationale of what make a healthy office and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. It can cover numerous aspects; nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, stress management, organisational culture, community engagement, among many others.

Working long hours, cash flow issues, social isolation and balancing work and domestic responsibilities are some of the unique challenges small business owners face, and not surprisingly, these factors can also affect a business owner’s mental health and wellbeing.

And why is it so important? We spend one third of our lives at work and it can have a large impact on an individual’s health.

Building a healthy workplace can be something as simple as having a casual dress day once a month, supply the staff with fresh fruit, running weekly exercise classes, encouraging lunch time walking group or initiatives such as monthly educational seminars, health checks, seated massages and meditation.

A healthy workplace supports and encourages healthy behaviours in employees and provides opportunities to ensure healthy choices and the easy choices. At Morris Finance we are currently implementing a range of initiatives within their Health and Wellbeing Program that allows staff the opportunity to improve their physical, mental and social health.

How does a workplace get started on building a healthy workplace? Gaining support from management is a great first step. Research shows that if a workplace health program is supported and embraced by higher management there is more widespread success with the remainder of staff and their engagement levels.

Outlining to staff that the program has been designed to benefit them; by providing staff with a range of opportunities and activities will demonstrate they are in a supportive and inclusive work environment. Assessing and determining the needs of the organisation is also imperative to running a successful program; surveying staff will highlight key areas that can be actioned as well as allowing staff to have their input.