Health trends aren’t always the best way to a healthy lifestyle. We’ve all seen our fair share of ridiculous (and bogus) wellness fads. There will always be quick fixes and diet tricks on the market that promise incredible results—and honestly, they’re usually too good to be true.
That doesn’t mean all health trends are bad, though. In fact, there has been a huge focus on health in recent years, and that’s led to some really awesome wellness trends we can all get on board with.
One of those “trends” is employee wellness. The somewhat recent interest in healthy lifestyles has made its way into the workplace—which is a great thing because many Americans spend a majority of their waking hours at work.
As corporate wellness has continued to show results, more trends and fads have popped up for health in the workplace, too! Here are a few trends that are actually worth considering. They deliver on their promises of moving your employees towards a healthy lifestyle.
Standing Desks
Physical activity is a staple in a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, sitting at a desk is a staple in most workplaces. Sitting for long periods of time—living a sedentary lifestyle—has the exact opposite effects of being physically active. It wreaks havoc on your employees’ health.
Standing desks offer an excellent alternative. They get employees on their feet, encourage them to roam about the office (instead of calling or emailing coworkers), and can even help with focus and productivity.
Healthy Snacks
A lot of employees snack throughout the day to help stay energized and focused. Providing complimentary, healthy snacks is one way to ensure that this habit is a healthy one.
More often than not, employees will pick a free snack over one they have to purchase themselves. If that free snack is a piece of fruit, some light popcorn or a veggie tray, your employees will be well on the way to a nutritious diet.
Flexible Schedules
Some work schedules simply require a little structure timewise—and that’s just fine. Others, however, can be a lot more flexible. If you have employees in roles where flexibility is an option, give them that option.
Not only does this differentiate you from other companies when it comes to talent acquisition, but it takes an unnecessary stressor off your employees. It allows them to work when they work best. That can be great for their mental health and for your corporate productivity.
Family Leave
Another policy that can set you apart as you recruit new employees is family leave. Allowing adequate leave for new parents is an excellent option. It not only shows that you care for your employees, but it allows them a sense of balance that encourages their well-being.
Family leave policies vary from company to company, and they can get quite controversial. The most important thing is to have a policy that’s communicated to your employees so they can focus on what’s important when their families are growing and changing.
Tele-Sick Days
Employees shouldn’t come to work if they’re sick. End of story. It’s best to stay home where they can comfortably focus on getting well and avoid spreading germs to their coworkers.
There is also very little reason in today’s digital world that employees can’t work from home if necessary. You can let your employees know you’re serious about taking sick days by allowing them to telecommute. That way there’s no pressure or shame associated with staying home and getting well.
These are all excellent employee wellness trends. They aren’t crazy fads and quick-fixes. They’ll stand the test of time because they get back to the basics of a healthy lifestyle. These wellness trends focus on things that really do impact all aspects of employee health.
How do these trends work with your wellness program?
