Workplace health refers to more than smooth day-to-day operations, steady revenue, and high productivity. To be a successful organization, your business needs to be physically and mentally healthy as well. Because of this, workplace employee health cannot be overlooked and should be a top priority for organizations.
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Employee Health Defined
Employee health refers to the overall health of a company’s employees including physical and mental wellbeing. Employee health has a direct impact on an organization’s performance including productivity and revenue. Employee health encompasses much more than OSHA workplace regulations for health and safety, it involves having active strategies in place to promote healthy behaviors, reduce illness, and actively provide support to your employees. By prioritizing and implementing employee health policies, your company will foster a positive work environment where employees learn, grow, and feel like a valued member of the organization.
Benefits of Employee Health
When health is a known priority of the business, employees understand their value, perform better, and positively interact with those around them. Employee health can have numerous benefits for the organization including:
Improved Productivity
Poor productivity refers to the time employees spend at work not actively working. While the employee is physically there, work is not actively being done for the company. This is often referred to as presenteeism. Workplace health programs can decrease presenteeism and improve employee health by increasing employee engagement, providing support, and reducing overall health care costs for the organization.
Reduced Health Risks
When it comes to starting an employee health program, it begins with helping employees adopt healthier behaviors through nutritious meals and exercise. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood glucose are just some of the health risks associated with poor eating and lack of exercise. By educating your employees and providing support through on-site health programs, you are taking the step to reduce overall health risks in your organization.
Decreased Employee Absenteeism
Similar to productivity levels, employee health programs can reduce employee absences, often referred to as absenteeism. Absenteeism can include worker absences for illness, doctor visits, and other health-related concerns. By providing on-site health services through an employee health program or on-site nurse, you’re allowing your employees to receive the necessary support. By providing access to healthcare, your organization will experience cost savings from improved productivity and decreased absenteeism.
Improved Employee Retention and Morale
As the most important asset in any company, employees want to work for companies that value their workers and provide benefits that show they care. Organizations that implement health and wellness programs as part of their benefits package show employees that they’re appreciated. This in turn creates employees that want to continue working for this company. According to HR Collaboration Group, “High turnover rates impact the company from a financial and cultural standpoint. When employees feel undervalued and underpaid, they look elsewhere for employment. Companies that value their employees, provide feedback, and create a healthy environment for their employees have decreased turnover rates.”
How to Promote Employee Health in Your Workplace
Prioritizing and promoting employee health in your organization does not have to be an expensive undertaking, but it is an investment that is worthwhile. You can start small in your efforts by working with leadership and HR members to develop strategies that work best for your company. This could include:
- Providing employees access to an on-site nurse. An on-site nurse will work with individual employees to assess health concerns as well as address all areas including physical, mental, or emotional health.
- Perform annual health screenings to assess health issues and provide treatment, as necessary.
- Create a workspace that provides mental health support and allows employees to receive support from management, take breaks, and take vacation time.
- Offer healthy lunches, nutritious snacks and drinks.
Implement an Employee Health Program with OnSite Health
When it comes to promoting and implementing an employee health program in your workplace, it can be an overwhelming task. However, the team at OnSite Health is here to help. As experts in workplace health, we can work with you to formulate a healthcare program and strategy that works for your organization. Whether it means hiring an on-site nurse to work at your company, hosting an on-site flu vaccination clinic, or even OSHA health and safety program certifications, we are here to help. If you’re interested in learning more an employee health programs for your organization, contact our team today!
