It’s American Diabetes Month.

And it’s time for employers to raise awareness. Why?

The cost to American employers when it comes to diabetes is about 57 million unplanned sick days and $20 billion each year. With those staggering numbers, it’s becoming clear diabetes is a health concern that must be addressed in workplaces.

There’s no better time than now to raise awareness about this disease and its health impacts when so many free resources are available.

Plus, awareness events can inspire unhealthy employees to make a change by encouraging healthier behaviors.

Ready to educate your employees about diabetes in a memorable way that doesn’t break the bank?

Read on to learn how to spread American Diabetes Month awareness.

Ready to liven up your drab office space?

Indoor plants that clean air are the answer.

Studies show that spending time in nature has significant health benefits, improves mood and creativity. Mimicking the outdoors with green spaces can help bring those benefits inside the workplace.

Plants in the office may:

• Increase productivity
• Reduce stress
• Improve moods
• Create a better air quality

Need to give your office a breath of fresh air? Read on.

When employees are well, companies do well.

And considering that worker injuries and illnesses cost U.S. employers $225.8 billion each year — that’s about $1,685 per employee — keeping your workforce healthy is critical to a healthy business.

Luckily, there’s a way to stop that.

As a company, encouraging employee wellness through a variety of workplace initiatives can help employees feel and actually be healthier overall. Promoting lifestyle changes that are sustainable and feel doable is the key.

Employee wellness programs can include:

• Workshops
• Activities
• Health benefits
• Free printable resources

Knowledge is power, too. The more information you give your employees in an easy-to-digest format, the more likely they’ll retain it and use it. The first start, though, is encouraging them in the workplace to make healthier habits that they’ll hopefully bring home.

Here we share seven easy ways to promote employee wellness in your workplace:

Mmm, coffee.

If you can’t start your day without coffee, you’re not alone.

Last year, the National Coffee Association surveyed 3,000 Americans on their java drinking habits. The survey found that 64 percent of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee daily.

The amount of Americans downing this beverage is the highest it’s been in years. Thanks to its ability to wake us up quickly, it’s become the go-to beverage for working Americans for decades.

As a stimulant, coffee is known to:

• Improve memory
• Increase energy levels
• Shorten reaction times
• Boost productivity

As one of the best instant energizers, coffee is well-known for its stimulant effects, but it also has several surprising health benefits, too, like reducing pain.

Need another reason to keep up your daily coffee habit?

Read on to learn about all the positive benefits hiding in your favorite brew.

Mental health isn’t an easy topic to talk about.

Not discussing it at all in the workplace can be harmful, though.

For one, employees lose out on valuable resources that could potentially improve or save their lives. On the other hand, employers miss the chance to break the stigma that surrounds mental illness discussions.

Considering serious mental illness causes $193.2 billion in lost earnings each year, it’s a topic too big to be ignored by companies.

This month, consider starting a mental health dialogue with employees. October’s three mental health observances offer perfect conversation starters:

• Mental Illness Awareness Week 2019
• World Mental Health Day 2019
• National Depression Screening Day

There’s no better time to start the conversations than now. Below, we share just how to build mental health awareness and empathy in the workplace.

Fall has officially arrived.

So has the start of cold and flu season, along with the temptation to stay inside and eat comfort food.

It’s the perfect season to get lazy, really.

But don’t give up on your health just yet. Keeping up your exercise routine, eating healthy, and resting enough can keep your health on track this fall season. It also will sustain your immune system if you continue your healthy habits through the end of the year.

Ready to finish the last days of the year strong?

Here are 17 fall wellness tips to keep you feeling your best!

They say “laughter is the best medicine” for a reason.

Laughing not only helps improve physical and mental health, it also strengthens relationships and enhances creativity.

Best of all, laughing “medicine” is free and fun to take.

Laughing has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, promote happiness, and provides other physical health benefits. Think of how you feel after watching your favorite comedy or after spending a few hours with a hilarious friend.

There’s nothing like a full-belly laugh.

Learn how to inject more humor into your workplace and how it can help your employees be healthier overall.

Every year, World Heart Day is celebrated on September 29.

Since Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) claims 17.9 million lives globally each year, the World Heart Federation created the campaign to educate and encourage individuals to improve their heart health.

Over a lifetime, the heart beats about 2.5 billion times. That’s a hard-working muscle. Like every other muscle in our bodies, it’s important to keep it strong and healthy.

If you’ve been looking for ways to discuss heart health with your employees, now is the time.

In honor of World Heart Day, share these 29 tips on how to keep your heart healthy:

Yogis, rejoice.

September is National Yoga Month.

And even if you aren’t a yogi, there's a reason to celebrate this ancient practice. The mental benefits of yoga are well documented as an excellent way to relieve stress. Plus, it’s a great way to increase blood circulation and move your body after a long day of sitting in the office.

And you don’t have to do hot yoga for the benefits, either.

Anyone of any age can reap the benefits with a regular practice — from restorative yoga to vinyasa, there are options for all fitness levels!

Interested? If increases flexibility and a relaxed mind sounds good to you, read on!

Has it been awhile since you picked up a book?

September 6 is National Read a Book Day, the perfect time to buy a new title or pull your favorite novel off the shelf.

Reading is excellent for brain health and it’s also a healthy stress reducer at the end of a long work day. Aside from leisurely reading, it’s also a great opportunity to educate yourself on any topic that interests you.

Below, we’ve included a list of 19 books on fitness, self-help, wellness, and positivity to celebrate National Read a Book Day.

Happy reading!