Idea Box – Pallet Enterprise

A healthy workforce can mean a healthy business. Globally, businesses lost $530 billion in production in 2023 due to poor workplace health. According to the World Economic Forum, companies with healthy employees can have increased profit over competitors. Employee health and wellness increases energy levels, attendance, employee recruitment and retention, and productivity. A healthier workplace also lowers healthcare costs, prevents burnout and causes fewer accidents.

Implementing a healthier lifestyle in the workplace is more than encouraging physical activity. In an industry that can be physically demanding, there are ways to tailor physical wellness and health to meet the needs of your workers. However, in the manufacturing sector, physical wellness is vital as it prevents injury when it comes to more demanding work.

Corporate Wellness Magazine recommends several foundational steps to implementing a wellness program in the manufacturing workplace. First, it is important to do an assessment to gain insight into the health and wellness of your workers. You need to get an idea of the need and interest level of you workers.

Second, develop a program that focuses on physical health as well as nutrition. Consider reaching out to a local registered dietitian who is educated and licensed to give the most up-to-date guidance on all aspects of nutritional health. Use some of the ideas listed below to create a program tailored to your company’s needs.

Third, create incentives, rewards or a friendly competition to encourage workplace participation. Health food or gym discounts, gift cards, department challenges, and family involvement can create a positive atmosphere of health and wellness.

Fourth, educate the employees on the importance of a healthy lifestyle and its benefits, especially in the workplace. Share information about the program and how they can get involved.

Finally, as time passes, assess and evaluate any changes that need to be made to the program. Items may be altered seasonally to keep the program fun and enticing.

Below are some ideas to incorporate physical health and wellness into your company program. If this idea is something entirely new to the workforce, start with a few changes and suggestions. Gradual changes may be easier to get traction than a massive campaign. Changes will most likely occur if management sets the example for the team.

Nutrition

1. Reach out to a registered dietician to share with the employees about small steps to take in their eating habits such as reading nutrition labels, portion sizes, etc.
2. Stock the office fridge/vending machine with options like water, low sugar sparkling soda vs. high sugar caffeinated drinks that can lead to a sugar “crash” later in the workday.
3. Provide water coolers throughout the building for fresh water and hydration.
4. Allow local farmers to bring in produce and seasonal fruits/vegetables.
5. Provide nutrition information for employees to take home to share with their families. This can include healthier options for favorite snacks.
6. Include more nutritious, low sugar snack options in vending machines such as fruit, nut mixes, protein bars, less processed foods, etc.

Physical Activity

1. Look into offering corporate discounts at a local gym.
2. Ask a local gym for free passes to allow employees to try out the facility.
3. Reach out to a personal trainer to offer suggestions on strength training for sustained physical health and safety.
4. Offer outdoor seating for meals and breaks. While this doesn’t necessarily involve intense physical activity, it does allow for more Vitamin D and relaxation from the strenuous workday.
5. Provide information on back care with correct stretching and lifting techniques and exercises for strength.
6. Offer a company-wide challenge for meeting weekly exercise goals outside of the workday.

Family & Community Involvement

1. Sponsor walks with the community to raise money for charity, such as March of Dimes, cancer research, or autism awareness.
2. Encourage involvement in company sponsored youth athletic teams as well as volunteer coaching.
3. Organize a company golf, softball, or other sporting event tournament. Compete with other local businesses.
4. Challenge families in the company to take walks after dinner or go to a local park.
5. Plan family hikes/nature walks on local trails.

Rewards/Incentives

1. Offer grocery store gift cards or even monetary incentives for meeting physical wellness goals.
2. Bring in catered lunches with healthy options to celebrate involvement in the wellness program.
3. Plan a company/family picnic to promote wellness goals.