Health at Work

It is essential that supervisors promote well-being through a healthier work design and lead in a way that supports workers’ four primary needs of trust, compassion, stability, and hope (Gallup, 2020) In the midst of the pandemic, healthy work design is crucial. 

An American Productivity Audit found that tobacco use was a leading cause of worker lost production time — more than alcohol abuse or family emergencies. Policies establishing smoke-free environments are the most effective way to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke. Check out the CDC’s online toolkit for how to implement a tobacco-free campus (TFC) initiative that includes a policy and comprehensive cessation services for employees

If food is going to be provided at a work event, be sure to include healthy options. All your employees who are trying to make healthy choices, who might have diabetes or high blood pressure, will be grateful and feel supported.

Standing desks have been shown to have health benefits. Allowing your employees this option demonstrates further support and has been shown to increase productivity. This is important even with the increased number of people working from home due to pandemic.

Encouraging activity during the work day for your employees can be as simple as putting up a sign to use the stairs instead of the elevators.