A new study by Acas revealed that 90% of employees think it’s important for employers to prioritize mental health and well-being in the workplace. As research suggests that employees are increasingly concerned about health and wellness at work, it’s crucial for business owners to respond to trends and employee preferences. In this informative guide, we’ll share some creative ways to enhance workplace health and well-being. 

Make time and space for physical activity

We often talk about the physical health benefits of doing regular exercise, but being active is also one of the most powerful tonics for better mental health. When you work out, your body releases endorphins, and the levels of serotonin and dopamine in your brain rise, which makes you feel great. Exercise can also be an effective stress-buster and a distraction from work-related pressure and other stressors. 

As an employer, there are several ways to encourage regular physical activity, including reviewing the employee benefits package, exploring schemes such as discounted gym membership, and setting up exercise zones at work. If you have space within the premises, you could design an on-site gym or studio to provide easy, convenient access to a dedicated workout area. Investing in equipment, such as running machines, exercise bikes, weights, and jigsaw mats, will enable you to offer flexible options for employees who want to be more active. You could also host classes run by external instructors or encourage group training sessions. 

Another brilliant way to get people involved in exercise at work is to design spaces for sports, such as football, basketball, table tennis, and golf. Depending on how much room you have and your budget, you can set up anything from a mini putting green and ping pong courts to a compact soccer pitch or basketball court. This is a fun way to promote exercise, but it’s also a great way to build strong teams and help employees form friendships. 

Offer access to mental health support for all

Mental health support is traditionally associated with people who have existing symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression or other psychological disorders. Using smart digital software tailored to helping those with mental health is a great idea to ensure you enhance your employees health and well-being. While it’s critical for people to have access to help when they need it, offering access to mental health support and advice for everyone can be hugely beneficial. You don’t need to have symptoms to benefit from taking good care of your mental well-being. Preventive measures reduce risks, which is advantageous for employees and employers. 

Ways to offer access to mental health support for your team include working with service providers to deliver therapy and counseling, providing mental health first aid training, and running workshops to help people boost their mental health. It’s also a fantastic idea to try to change the narrative within your organization and create a culture that helps people be more open. If somebody is struggling, you want them to feel comfortable talking to you, their manager or other colleagues. A 2022 study by The Harris Poll showed that almost 60% of employees didn’t feel comfortable talking about mental health at work. 

Be more flexible

Stress is one of the most common workplace ailments. A 2023 survey suggests that 77% of workers experience significant work-related stress every month. Flexibility can help to lower stress levels by improving work-life balance and giving employees more control over their schedules and how they manage their workloads. 

Remote working is an option for some businesses. Since 2020, many companies have switched to remote or hybrid models, with employees spending more time at home. Another system that may work for your team is to introduce core hours with the freedom to manage time outside of set working hours. If your core hours are 10 am to 4 pm, for example, you may have employees who start and finish early or late and some who split their hours depending on other commitments. 

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Make healthy eating more accessible

Employers are not responsible for what their employees eat, but businesses can play a part in championing healthy diets. By making healthy eating more accessible, you can encourage nutritious diets and make it quick and easy for your team to enjoy meals at work. Ingenious ideas include setting up a mini store, adding a vending machine with healthy snacks and on-the-go food options, and adding nutrient-rich foods to the canteen menu. 

If you don’t have space for an in-house café or store, another option you could consider is joining forces with local businesses that sell healthy food. From grocery stores to restaurants and food delivery services, you could offer discounts to staff or work together to draw up a mutually beneficial partnership. You could also explore discounted subscriptions to diet plans and healthy food boxes for employees as part of your benefits package. 

Talk on the go

Cutting-edge communications technology has revolutionized the way we work. There are many positives to video calls, online conferences and virtual events, but sometimes, nothing beats face-to-face interactions. If you host meetings with employees regularly, or your teams have frequent meetings, why not encourage talking on the go? Walking meetings are an effective way to enjoy fresh air, move more and provide a change of scenery. 

Research suggests that spending time outside can help boost productivity and reduce stress levels. Whether you work near a park, in the countryside or in the heart of a bustling city, getting away from your desk can be beneficial. 

Setting steps targets and participating in team challenges can motivate people to exercise more. It is particularly beneficial to think about activities like walking meetings, group training sessions and office team sports if your employees spend long periods working at a desk. 

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Prioritizing health and well-being in the workplace has amazing benefits for both employees and employers. If you own a business, it’s important to consider how you can support your team and create a culture and working environment that actively champions healthy living. Examples include making time and space for exercise, encouraging healthy eating, providing access to mental health advice and support for all, and offering greater flexibility in terms of working hours and locations.