Promoting Worksite Wellness in Florida

The average working Floridian spends one-third of their day in a work setting. Although the work setting is a place where business gets done, it can at the same time also foster an environment that supports well-being for all employees.

Research shows that employees in good health are more likely to deliver optimal performance in the workplace. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that healthy employees not only have better quality of life, they also benefit from having a lower risk of disease, illness, and injury, as well as increased work productivity and a greater likelihood of contributing to their communities.

Ideas to Incorporate Employee Wellness Activities

Incorporating employee wellness activities into the work setting doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive, or even time-consuming. Often the most effective activities are the simplest ones and employees are more likely to participate if it’s easy to follow along.

Here are some ideas for wellness activities any employer can use in the workplace:

• Start an employee walking club
• Start off staff meetings by standing up and doing light stretches
• Encourage walk-and-talk meetings instead of sitting at your desks or in a conference room
• Start a healthy cooking class where employees bring their own supplies and learn cooking best practices
• Use your internal communication channels to share tips and information about staying healthy and active at work
• Market local health-related events
• Offer lunch and learn sessions about wellness topics like nutrition, exercise, sleep, hydration, etc
• Make healthy food options available and accessible through vending machines or cafeterias
• Host monthly lunches where each employees brings a healthy snack or dish