Employee wellness has been shown to be a make-or-break factor for organizations. Incorporating wellness activities into the workplace can have numerous benefits for the employees, and not only can it improve their mental and physical health, but it can also boost their morale. Increase productivity and reduce employee turnover.
The Covid-19 pandemic has been going on for three years, and I’m sure that during that time your organization has been looking for fresh approaches to guarantee the health and well-being of the workforce in the context of the new normal. One of the best and most effective ways to take care of the employees is to offer virtual wellness programs to them but to succeed in doing so, you should know what is essential and how to prioritize.
Here are a few of the amazing wellness activities for remote employees
Taking yoga and meditation breaks is the best way to initiate wellness activities. Taking a few minutes to stretch and clear the mind can do wonders for reducing stress and increasing focus. Consider setting aside a dedicated space for yoga or meditation or offering virtual classes for remote employees.
One of the virtual wellness activities should be to motivate employees to eat healthier. The HR Manager or manager, in general, may hire a nutritionist for a one-on-one consultation or arrange a number of online workshops to support the employee’s dietary health.
Creating a health and well-being club is another wellness activity for remote employees. As HR personnel or an organization, you should ensure that your employees have access to health resources, irrespective of whether they are working from home or at the workplace. You can begin by creating a health and well-being club through your preferred communication channels, such as teams, Slack, etc., which will enable the employees to stay updated on the events conducted. Assign some time for a weekly or monthly catch up, and motivate your employees to share their healthy food or workout routines with their colleagues.
Conducting outdoor activities is another excellent wellness activity for remote employees. Encourage your staff to take a break and go outside because the sunshine and fresh air can be energizing. Going outside from the house does not mean going and having an intense workout, it could be as simple as a 10 minute walk around the block or a longer hike on a nearby trail.
Fitness challenges can be a fun way to encourage employees. Challenges can be a fun way to motivate employees to get moving and live healthy lives. Think about establishing a step target or setting up a virtual fitness class.
Mental health resources. Employees should prioritize their mental health, but most of the time, life and circumstances prevent us from focusing on or caring for our mental health. Stress is a constant part of the life of everyone and for employees, it is more than what they asked for. Make sure your employees have access to mental health resources such as a company-allowed therapist or an employee assistance program. Encouraging employees to prioritize their mental health and take time off when needed is a must for personal and organizational growth.
Flexible working. Allowing employees the flexibility to choose their own schedules or work remotely can greatly improve their work-life balance and overall well-being.
Ergonomic workstations. Proper ergonomics can help prevent unnecessary physical discomfort and injuries. As a leader, it is your responsibility to make sure the employees have the necessary equipment and resources to set up comfortable and ergonomic workstations.
Education and training opportunities for the employees. Encourage employees to continue learning and growing by offering education and training opportunities. This could take the form of free workshops offered or payments made for outside courses.
Closing Thoughts
Working in a remote team has benefits, but it also presents different difficulties from working in an office. An employee is more vulnerable to mental health problems and productivity issues if there aren’t specific structures and systems, constant disruptions, and a lack of human touch or engagement.
Employees can gain a variety of advantages from incorporating these wellness activities into the workplace, including improved physical and mental health, a boost to morale, and an increase in productivity. Organizations can foster a positive and encouraging work environment by putting employee well-being first.