Did you know that 40% of employees feel lonely at work?

It may not seem like a big deal compared to other illnesses, but research shows that feeling lonely can hurt your health as much as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

Yikes! It's no wonder experts are worried about how having few or no friends can affect our well-being. Loneliness is a big threat to our health, and it’s bad for business, too.

So, how can we transform our workplace into a more connected and supportive environment? Read on to discover the solutions. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed by everything that's happening in the world?

Rest assured, you're not alone.

These days, even a quick look at the news can make you feel awful.

From stress and anxiety to burnout and feeling lonely, mental health issues can affect your work. However, recognizing and tackling these challenges is the first step toward helping your team. When people's mental health isn't good, it doesn't just affect them — it can also make it hard for everyone to work well and feel happy in the office. We all have a role to play in supporting each other's mental well-being.

Excited about helping your employees improve their mental health? Keep reading!

Looking for fun and low-cost ways to boost your employees' wellness?

You've come to the right place!

Prioritizing employee wellness is crucial, as it leads to increased productivity and engagement among your workforce. But you don't need to spend a lot of money to create a great wellness program. There are plenty of simple and affordable activities you can try that will make a big difference.

Let's explore some employee wellness activities that won't break the bank but will help you create a healthy and happy team.

Summer is here, and while the lazy days may be calling your name, it's the perfect time to shake things up with some employee wellness programming and get your team outside!

Getting outside and engaging in outdoor activities is an easy way to enhance overall well-being and team camaraderie in the workplace.

Let’s explore how to make the most of the sunny season to create a happier, healthier workplace.

Burnout. Oh, the struggle is real.

But why is it so darn common?

High work demands, being constantly plugged in through technology, and the pervasive 'hustle culture' — the glorification of overwork and constant productivity — are all major culprits. Add in unclear job expectations, little control over your workload, and a lack of support from managers or colleagues, and you've got a recipe for tension.

And let's not forget about the pressure to meet society's high standards and personal life stress — they definitely don't help either. It's no wonder many employees feel overwhelmed and completely drained.

Because burnout impacts people in unique ways, this post digs into the different types of burnout. We'll explore the various manifestations of burnout and how HR can offer valuable support.

Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to involve your employees in biometric screenings?  

We have the perfect idea for you: a Health Quest Scavenger Hunt! 

This engaging activity not only makes health checks more enjoyable but also helps everyone learn more about staying healthy, fostering a sense of curiosity and interest.

Let’s dive into how you can set up this awesome event.

Protein.

You might envision die-hard gym bros or chugging raw eggs when thinking about high-protein diets. 

But protein isn't just for gym rats or athletes.

It's a must-have for everyone, especially as we age.

As we age, our bodies need a little extra help to stay strong and healthy. One of the best ways to do this is by eating more protein. Protein is like a building block for our muscles, bones, and skin. It helps us stay energetic and active. Our bodies can weaken without enough protein, making it harder to enjoy everyday activities.

For HR and wellness professionals, understanding the importance of protein and promoting its benefits can significantly impact the overall health and productivity of employees.

Ready to explore why getting enough protein is a game-changer? Read on.

Summer is the perfect time to kick off some fun wellness challenges at work.

With the sun shining and the days stretching out longer, it's the ideal opportunity to embrace outdoor activities, stay active, and bond with your colleagues.

Implementing wellness initiatives in the workplace during the summer not only promotes employee well-being but also cultivates a positive and vibrant atmosphere. When employees are feeling their best, they are more likely to perform at their peak, unleash their creativity, and stay fully engaged in their work.

Additionally, wellness challenges are a fantastic way to strengthen team bonds and boost morale among co-workers, fostering a sense of camaraderie in the workplace.

Here are some exciting summer wellness activities that can help your team stay healthy and happy.

If you’re looking to make your workplace a healthier, happier place, you've got to check out Atomic Habits by James Clear. This book isn’t just a guide; it's a game-changer for anyone interested in personal and professional growth.

Atomic Habits is not your ordinary self-help book that you read once and forget. It's a book that's not just read but lived. Its practical advice is so valuable that you'll find yourself revisiting it every few months or every year. Each time you read it, you'll uncover new insights that will help you refine your daily routines.

This book provides evidence-based self-improvement techniques that can help you transform your habits. Whether you're part of a team aiming to launch a new product, an organization hoping to revolutionize an industry, or simply an individual seeking to quit smoking, lose weight, reduce stress, or accomplish any other goal, this book equips you with the necessary tools and strategies to achieve success.

Below, I’ll share some insights from this book that can transform how we think about habits at work. So, let’s dive into the small yet powerful strategies that can lead to remarkable changes!

Did you know that your ZIP code can be a major determinant of how long you might live?

It's a striking thought, isn't it?

Your address can affect your access to essential resources such as nutritious food, reliable transportation, quality housing, dependable childcare, and viable job opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought these issues into sharp focus, underscoring the urgent need to address the harsh reality of health disparities that exist across different communities. It showed us that while viruses may not discriminate, our health systems often do, with significant differences in health outcomes based on where people live and work. However, the pandemic also sparked a significant shift — a robust call for systemic change.

In response, the American Heart Association, Deloitte Health Equity Institute, and the SHRM Foundation are joining forces. Their mission? To empower employers and industry leaders with a comprehensive roadmap to elevate the health and well-being of America's workers. This collaboration has produced the "Health Equity in the Workforce Guide." The guide is more than just a resource; it's a blueprint for employers who are ready to integrate health equity into their business practices. 

Below, are some practical strategies and innovative approaches to create a healthier future for all employees, based on the guide.