2025 is almost here! 🗓️ As we begin the new year and get further into the winter season, it is especially important to prioritize workplace physical and mental wellness. Winter can often feel slow, and we tend to be a little bit sluggish in the office as the days get colder. So, how do you support your team’s well-being during this chilly season? That’s where employee wellness initiatives come in! The new year is the perfect time to create a fresh start for your employees by implementing initiatives that promote and prioritize their wellness. Need some ideas to help get you started? We’ve compiled five employee wellness initiatives that are perfect for the new year or any season.
1) Provide healthy snacks
As the saying goes ‘you are what you eat’. One of the main elements of wellness is a balanced diet. Consider offering your employees healthy food options such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, smoothies, etc. Many employees find it hard to prioritize their diet during their busy workday; by offering these snacks you can give your team a convenient and nutritious solution.
2) Have mandatory lunch breaks
We’ve all had those moments where we’re so busy that we work through our lunch break. A great way to encourage your employees to take necessary breaks is to make lunch breaks mandatory. To encourage this behaviour, make sure you are leading by example and taking your lunch break daily.
3) Reinforce the importance of sick days and time off
Employee burnout can significantly impact the productivity of your team. A great way to avoid this issue is to communicate to your employees the importance of sick days or time off. Express to your team that they shouldn’t feel obligated to come into work if they feel unwell both physically and mentally.
4) Include plants and natural light in the workplace
Both plants and natural lighting can have a significant impact on employee well-being and productivity. According to a Cornell University study, employees working in an office with natural light experienced a 51% drop in eyestrain, a 63% drop in headaches, and a 56% drop in drowsiness. Plants have also been proven to lower anxiety and stress, improve concentration, and stimulate creativity.
5) Set up mental health resources for employees
Supporting your employees’ mental health is a great way to enhance their overall well-being. Managers should promote an open-door policy and express to employees that they are always available to hear what is on their minds. To help support employees who are more comfortable speaking to someone outside of the work environment, offer counselling services or resources that can point them in the right direction.
Employee wellness initiatives are a vital part of employee satisfaction and picking the right initiatives is crucial to the success of your team. If you are having a hard time determining which initiatives would best suit your team, there are many resources available to help you. Here at STEPS, we assist small businesses with employee management and the best ways that they can support their teams. We would be happy to work with you to create tailored wellness initiatives that can help you prioritize your employees’ well-being. Visit the services section of our website to learn more about how we can support your employees’ wellness or reach out to us on our contact page.