Pandemic pounds are real.

Earlier this year, 42% of individuals surveyed by the American Psychological Association reported a weight gain of 29 pounds on average during the pandemic.

One-third of Americans are severely overweight, a stark obesity fact that can’t be ignored. Excessive pounds can lead to heart problems, stroke, diabetes, and other serious health conditions that can impact an employee’s productivity, energy, and overall health.

Other than the COVID pandemic, one of the most serious public health concerns today is obesity. It’s been proven that those with extra comorbidities like obesity are more likely to struggle harder with a case of COVID.  

Employers must find a way to bring these discussions to light for employees. This can help employees take steps to minimize associated healthcare costs later down the road and lead to an overall better quality of life. This post will share obesity facts to spread awareness along with some ideas on helping workers stay in their healthy, happy weight range.

Want to know how to avoid burnout in your workplace?

There’s no one answer, but, luckily, there are options to keep burnout levels to a minimum. Even though burnout isn’t an official mental health medical condition, it does have a massive impact on mental health.

Because of this, more companies are seeing the investment in mental health resources as worthwhile. In fact, companies that invest in workplace mental health get a 4x return on investment. This can increase productivity, improve retention, and support inclusion measures.

Sadly, 70% of workers don’t think employers are doing all they can to prevent and reduce burnout at work. But you have the power to change your own workplace environment and your employees’ minds if they’re feeling that way.

If your company has been scrambling to find the right tools and resources to empower employees since the pandemic burnout hit, then this post is for you.

Here’s how to avoid burnout before it comes into play in your workplace:

Need some healthy fall snack ideas that aren’t full of empty calories?

Fall officially kicked off on September 22. And now it seems everywhere you turn, there’s no missing the Halloween candy, fall-themed treats, and comfort foods that beckon.

Given that a medium pumpkin spice latte has about 400 calories — the equivalent of a decent meal — it’s a good idea to have go-to healthy fall snacks on hand to curb the “need” for fall flavors.

Below, we share a list of healthy fall produce you can turn into delicious, nutrient-dense snack options with ease. Each pick was selected for its high nutritional value while also bringing vibrant flavors to your autumn snack menu.

Read on to crunch and munch your way through the top good-for-you healthy fall snacks that are worth skipping handfuls of candy corn for.

This article was updated on December 3, 2021 based on new recommendations from the CDC.

Thinking you may need the COVID-19 booster shot?

While there’s been a lot of back and forth about whether everyone needs a booster shot, health officials have now confirmed that everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot.

This article will cover:

• Who is eligible
• The timeline to wait between the second and third dose
• Where to get the COVID-19 booster shot
• What type of side effects to expect

Share this post with employees who are interested in learning more about the booster and if they need it for full protection.

Do you know the signs and symptoms of depression?

Depression is a costly condition for businesses and for the individuals who leave it unchecked. The American Psychiatric Association estimates depression causes $44 billion annually in lost productivity and about half of employees with depression are untreated.

Even before COVID hit, our country saw an increase in mental illness. Between 2017-2018, 19% of adults experienced a mental illness, which is an increase of 1.5 million people over last year, according to Mental Health America’s report, The State of Mental Health in American 2021.

On top of that, the number of individuals seeking help for anxiety and depression has gone through the roof. Since the previous year’s screening, there was a 62% increase over 2019’s depression screens.

October 7 is National Depression Screening Day. You would want your employees to get their cholesterol, heart, and blood pressure screened — why not their mental health?

Below, learn more about the signs and symptoms of depression, free resources for mental health, and how to connect with an employee in a depressive state.

‘Tis the season for sneezing, tissues, Tamiflu,  and...flu shots.

Yes, it’s already time to start thinking about the flu season months.

Flu season is here and paired with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this flu and cold season doesn’t sound like it’s going to be very forgiving. As cooler weather approaches, more people are likely to gather inside together — unmasked — making it easier for viruses and germs to spread.

Experts are forecasting a 20% increase in flu cases compared to normal seasons.

Despite seeing record-low numbers for flu cases last year — thanks to everyone who stayed home or masked up outdoors — this year with the reopening of workplaces, schools, and decreased protocols, it could turn out to be a mess of a flu season.

Here’s what you need to know about the flu, what’s new this season, advice from health experts, if you can have COVID and the flu at the same time, and the best time for employees — and yourself — to get the flu shot.

Need some great ideas for employee engagement?

You’re in the right spot.

Sadly, only 36% of employees feel engaged in their work. That’s according to a July 2021 study released by Gallup that surveyed over 100,000 teams. Of those who are “actively disengaged,” 74 percent are also actively looking for work.

Employee engagement is one of those areas companies are struggling with on a regular basis these days. So, how can you keep employees engaged without overtime work parties, eye rolls, and sighs?

Don’t let your employees get disengaged to the point of leaving. Solicit feedback to see where your company can improve. This post is an excellent starting point for getting them reengaged.

Ready for some exciting employee engagement? Read on!

There’s no getting around it: the flu is no fun.

No matter which stage of the flu you’re in, feeling better ASAP is a priority. That takes rest and time, of course.

When that first day of flu illness hits, it’s normal to wonder: how long is this going to last?

This post will provide details on daily symptoms, the importance of the flu vaccine, and a timeline of what to expect as this common illness progresses.

Below, get a day-by-day timeline of how long you’ll feel crummy and tips for a faster recovery.

You have heard it for years — the health benefits of exercise can’t be denied.

Despite any dismay you feel toward sweating, research indicates regular sweat sessions are good for both your physical and mental health.

Other than looking good and feeling strong, the list of the benefits of regular exercise is quite long. Some of the perks may even surprise you — like delayed aging and reduced bodily inflammation.

If you’re looking for a reason to keep up your workout routine into the fall and holiday season, your list of exercise incentives is here.

Here are 17 surprising health benefits of exercise to get you excited to sweat — even if it’s just a little bit.

Most employers know they can place a COVID vaccine mandate on their team.

In early September, President Biden announced he was taking steps to get more Americans vaccinated and turn the tide on COVID-19.

On November 4, the administration rolled out two of those steps — two different vaccine rules covering more than 100 million workers.

The first rule, issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, covers companies with 100 or more employees. Companies must ensure that their workers are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022 or that they test negative for COVID-19 at least once a week. The rule does not require employers to pay for or provide testing to workers who decline the vaccine.

A second rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires some 17 million health care workers to be vaccinated by the same deadline, Jan. 4, but with no option for weekly testing in lieu of vaccination. The rule covers all employees — clinical and non-clinical — at about 76,000 health care facilities that receive federal funding from Medicare or Medicaid.