June is Professional Wellness Month—a perfect time to create holistic change in improving your workplace.

What does "wellness" mean? An individual's well-being centers around proper exercise, a healthy diet, good sleeping patterns, a social support system, etc. Everything that’s widely known as “good for you.”

Why the focus on wellness? It contributes to employees' being highly productive at the office, leading to valuable work quality and team loyalty. 

Employees can sometimes push themselves too hard to complete tasks, reaching a point of burnout. Overworked team members going through physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion is alarming for any professional organization. It can result in subpar work, more sick days, or even resignations.

Companies need to step up in creating an environment where their team can thrive in being happy and healthy. 

Investing in wellness is a sure way to increase productivity, engagement, and satisfaction in the workplace. As a result, successful organizations are elevating their wellness initiatives in order to attract top talent and improve team retention.

Here are five actions you can implement to promote team member wellness for your company:

1. Allow work breaks.

A break from work can help us both physically and mentally—uplifting our mood, easing body tension, and helping focus.

Employees can benefit from a break as simple as standing up, walking around, giving their eyes a break from the screen, stretching, or being in the present moment to breathe. It can make a huge difference in the day.

Designating flexible time-off can recharge your team members so they are in the right headspace for their work.

2. Integrate fitness in and out of the office.

Offering workout perks from the company can be an excellent incentive for your staff to pursue physical fitness goals.

Gym, spa, or yoga memberships are rewards you can use to increase workplace motivation and health and wellness. Some companies also have an on-site gym to allow employees to exercise regularly and take group classes together, leading to a stronger bond among team members. Is this something you can consider?

Either way, try scheduling a few “walking meetings” and setting regular stretching reminders, simple ways of adding movement into the mix during your workday.

3. Be open and offer support.

Show a more human side to your company by having 1:1 check-ins, team member engagement activities, wellness programs, and/or personal development discussions for your team members.

Some companies now have advice hotlines so staff members can communicate with a health professional privately. It is a great way to offer mental health support to employees.

4. Evaluate office ergonomics.

The working environment plays a significant role in productivity and motivation. It can also optimize ease of use, promote safety, and support wellness.

Identifying the best chairs, desks, lighting, and other office elements can maximize everyone’s comfort during working hours.

New trends—like using a standing desk, an exercise ball as a seat, or pedaling with an under-the-desk elliptical—let employees stay moving.

5. Get HealthChoice of Michigan coverage.

A great way to promote physical well-being is by enabling employees to keep better track of their health and encouraging them to get medical check-ups or services.

Our Small Business Plans can cover all of your needs. In addition, enrolled members get guaranteed health services if an urgent-care emergency or accident arises.

With a flat rate of $240/month per team member, regardless of age or gender, you can afford to get the best coverage for your team with the most negligible out-of-pocket costs. You can even offer an additional incentive – our dental and optical riders.

If you’re concerned about your team, prioritizing their wellness will make your employees feel cared for in a fast-paced world full of pressure and stress.

It boosts the quality and safety of their office environment, how they feel about their job, and the whole team’s organization.

Conclusion

These tips to build a culture of wellness at the workplace can lead to happier, healthier, and more productive team members, which is the best outcome for everyone! 

HealthChoice of Michigan is a Wayne-County-powered program providing affordable health plans for Wayne County and Oakland County business owners and their employees. We offer an extensive network of Metro Detroit's most respected physicians and hospitals. Our plans cover the basics, from annual check-ups to emergency care services.

Learn more about how HealthChoice of Michigan can keep you and your team healthy with our Small Business Plans. Available at our website.

Workplace well-being affects all aspects of one's working life.