- Investing in employee wellness can pay off for businesses by creating fewer sick days, more productivity, and happier employees.
- Mental health is key to running a successful business and can be improved through mindfulness and adequate sleep.
- Physical health must also be considered when starting a business, with activities like team sports and healthy eating habits encouraged.
- Establish routine medical checks and dental coverage to prevent any medical issues from evolving into serious problems.
Most people understand that health and wealth go hand-in-hand. Many studies have shown that individuals prioritizing their health tend to live longer and more prosperous lives at home and in the workplace. The same applies to businesses: investing in your health can pay huge dividends when running a successful venture.
For one, companies whose employees prioritize their physical and mental well-being experience fewer sick days, higher productivity, lower rates of absenteeism, and greater overall job satisfaction. It’s no wonder many employers are beginning to invest more resources into creating an environment of total employee wellness — including everything from mental health benefits to gym memberships.
So, which ones are the best investments for building a successful business? Here are just a few:
Mental Health
Good mental health is essential when starting and running a successful business. When your mental health is strong, you’re better able to think clearly, remain focused and confidently make decisions, all factors that help propel businesses forward. To that end, it’s essential to practice the following:
Mindfulness
Be mindful of how you’re feeling when starting or running a business. You can take time to practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation. These can be beneficial in reducing stress, increasing resilience, and fostering clarity.
Many companies are also introducing mental health days where employees can take a break and focus on self-care. This way, employees can return to work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle any challenges.
Sleep
Make sure you sleep enough every night — research shows that adults need seven to nine hours nightly for optimal functioning. Sleep helps refresh the mind and replenish energy reserves for the following day, so invest in a good mattress, cut out caffeine after lunchtime, and establish consistent sleep patterns.
You should also avoid sending emails late at night. Doing so can trigger employees to work longer hours and sleep less, which can have a detrimental effect on their mental health. A healthy work-life balance is critical to a successful business.
Physical Health
Physical health may not seem integral to building a successful business, but it plays an important role nonetheless. It’s easy to deplete your energy when tackling ever-growing business tasks, so having enough stamina is key.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising helps to maintain energy levels. You can incorporate activities like jogging or swimming into your daily routine, which will help invigorate your body and soul. Additionally, activities like team sports can be a great way to connect with colleagues and build relationships, which are essential for running a successful business. You can initiate team-building activities and reward employees with a night out at the bowling alley or an extended lunch break to enjoy outdoor activities.
Healthy Eating Habits
Prioritizing nutrition is essential to good physical health, so encourage healthy eating habits among employees. You can replace unhealthy snacks in your vendo machines with more nutritious options, like fresh fruit. Or, you can provide discounts to healthy restaurants near the office and organize team lunches.
Routine Medical Checks
Providing routine medical checks for employees is a great way to invest in their overall health. Many employees tend to hide symptoms of underlying health issues, so regular checks can uncover any chronic conditions before they become serious problems. This will help maintain productivity and ensure the workforce is kept in top condition.
Annual Diagnostic Exams
You can require annual diagnostic exams for employees and their family members. This helps to identify any medical issues that may not be obvious so that appropriate treatment can be sought in a timely manner. The earlier an illness is detected, the more likely it can be treated quickly and effectively.
Dental Coverage
Many health plans don’t have dental coverage, so investing in this benefit can be a great way to show employees that you care about their overall health. Dental exams help detect gum diseases, cavities, and other oral health issues that can have serious consequences for the body if left untreated.
You can also include treatments for functional improvements. This will help improve employees’ smiles and bolster confidence. For instance, an employee with missing teeth might feel embarrassed to speak in front of colleagues. In that case, a quality tooth implant can help restore the employee’s confidence. The same goes for employees who may need braces to correct their bite.
By investing in your health, you can create a successful business that is resilient and sustainable for years to come. Employees will be healthier, more productive, and better able to take on business tasks with confidence.
