What do you do if your workplace design is negatively impacting the health and well-being of new employees?

Health and wellbeing is not "one size fits all". In fact, they break into physical, mental and cognitive health/wellbeing and each employee may have different needs. Especially for new employees you should make sure that they are aware of the wellbeing programs that exist in the company and that these programs fit their needs. A recurring assessment of wellbeing programs and alignment with employee's needs is important, so that you can offer the best solutions, updating and upgrading when necessary.

Evaluate the workplace environment thoroughly, focusing on accessibility to healthy food options, availability of hydration stations, and ergonomic setups for desks and chairs. Provide tailored educational sessions on nutrition and healthy eating habits, including advice on snacks, meal planning, and mindful eating practices, to align with workplace needs. Collaborate with food service providers to enhance menu choices with nutritious options, emphasising whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. Provide 121 counselling with a dietitian. Add in Ergonomic Support, Encourage Physical Activity and establish a feedback system allowing employees to voice concerns/suggest improvements for a more inclusive and engaging workplace environment.

-Identify workplace design issues causing health problems. Implement sport challenges to promote physical activity and teamwork, addressing sedentary habits and stress. -Offer ergonomic solutions and wellness programs. -Evaluate progress through feedback and health metrics. -Foster a culture of well-being and inclusivity.

Luckily, health and well-being are both quantifiable. You shall start by collecting data to know exactly what you shall start with.

Ergonomic Assessments: Regularly perform individualized ergonomic assessments that adapt to each employee's specific needs, adjusting their workspace accordingly. Include essential elements like chair height, desk space, and monitor positioning. Ergonomic Equipment: Invest in high-quality ergonomic equipment such as standing desks, ergonomic chairs, and adjustable monitor arms to support proper posture and reduce strain. Ergonomic Training: Conduct workshops to educate new employees on how to set up their workstations properly and the importance of maintaining good posture to prevent workplace-related injuries.

Promote Wellness: Active Breaks: Encourage new employees to take regular breaks to stretch or engage in light physical activity to combat the sedentary nature of desk jobs. Wellness Programs: Develop comprehensive wellness programs that offer activities like yoga, pilates, and meditation during or after work hours to promote mental and physical health. Health Resources: Provide resources and access to professional advice on nutrition, mental health, and physical fitness tailored to the office environment.

Monitor Impact Feedback System: Implement a robust feedback system where employees can regularly provide insights into their workspace comfort and effectiveness. This could include digital surveys or a suggestion box. Health Metrics: Track health metrics through self-reported employee wellness surveys and health check-ups to assess the impact of the ergonomic and wellness interventions. Adjustments and Iterations: Use the collected data to continuously refine and adjust the workplace design. This ensures that interventions are responsive to the actual needs of employees, improving their effectiveness over time.

Foster a Culture of Health Awareness: This involves more than just physical changes; it means cultivating an environment where employees feel empowered to prioritize their health. Implement regular health awareness programs that educate employees on topics such as the risks of prolonged sitting and the importance of proper lighting and noise levels. Also, encourage management to lead by example, showing that the organization values health by actively participating in wellness programs and discussions. This approach helps integrate health consciousness into the daily routines and values of the company, making wellness a core part of the corporate identity.