Article by Jane Dummer
Creating a corporate wellness culture is an essential part of the workplace, yet it is often overlooked or not given adequate resources. We spend a huge amount of our lives at work and to be inspired to eat better, work out, and live a healthier lifestyle in the place we’re often at more than we sleep is a huge opportunity.
Corporate Food & Nutrition
When I’m working with clients, I focus on food, nutrition, and fitness. However, mental health, smoking cessation, and supporting a respectful environment all lead to a successful corporate culture. It’s necessary to consider how much time employees are given to take time away from their work, dashboard, desk or cubicle to enjoy their meal break. Mindful eating is a healthy lifestyle habit I encourage in the workplace. I’ve assisted clients with their cafeteria makeovers with the intent to offer daily healthy options at affordable prices. If there are minimal healthy options available, I recommend employees schedule time to make homemade healthy lunches at least three times per week. Some clients offer their employees a convenient appointment time with me on-site. This consultation time is often covered under the corporate benefit package.
Corporate Fitness & Activity
As a workforce, we are more sedentary than ever due to electronics and long commute times. When a company doesn’t offer fitness or activity options, immediately I recommend getting the employees up and moving. If possible, go outside to get fresh air and sunlight on breaks. Lolly Daskal, corporate coach and founder of Lead from within, suggests one of the most powerful ways to up the creativity and effectiveness of any meeting is to take it outside, and for a walk. Daskal explains, “I find that people not only feel better, but they’re more energized and alert because of the change of scenery of a walking meeting.” Long-term, it’s important to create a comprehensive plan to allow employees time to exercise at work (on-site yoga and/or fitness classes), and/or support employees to exercise outside of work hours.
Look Who’s Creating a Successful Corporate Wellness Program
Working with the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo continues to be an excellent and inspiring experience for me, as they are progressive and aware of their employees needs. Sheri Keffer, CHRL, Director, People and Culture explains the top three elements for a successful workplace wellness program: “First, it’s important to have a committee of employees who are wellness champions to help plan, execute, and spread the word. Second is the Senior Leadership team’s support by their participation in wellness activities and encouraging their staff to participate. And lastly, plan and provide a variety of activities and challenges that appeal to a broad variety of employees.”
Final Thought
A workplace wellness program can offer a cost-effective way to improve an employee’s life. Healthier employees build a happier workplace, have higher productivity, have fewer sick days, and they contribute to lowering the burden on our public health care system.
Jane Dummer, RD (www.janedummer.com) is a leading food consultant and dietitian in North America and a long-time resident of Waterloo region. Jane is a media go-to, author (The Need for Seeds) and consultant to corporations specializing in pod to plate coaching and workplace wellness solutions. Follow Jane on Twitter @janedummer and Pinterest. Connect with Jane on YouTube and Facebook.
