healthy workplace

Wellness in the Workplace

January is usually a time when we set goals for the new year. This year consider focusing on workplace wellness. What is workplace wellness? Workplace wellness are programs and policies that intend to facilitate and promote health for employees in the workplace. This can take on many different forms, from having an on-site gym for employees to use, healthy eating options at lunch, or having a walking club. With current trends of obesity, heart attack, and stroke at high rates in the U.S. it is important to focus on making efforts to improve our overall health and wellness. Work is where we spend most of our time during the day, thus focusing on wellness in the workplace is vital to overall health.

Keep in mind that wellness does not just apply to nutrition and physical activity, but also includes areas such as mental/emotional health (think stress reduction), social wellness, and spiritual well-being. While not all of these aspects of wellbeing can be addressed in the workplace, the experience within the workplace can certainly have an impact on other wellness areas. This also means that being physically healthy can also have a positive impact on other areas of wellness.

So why is this important? Studies have found that workplace wellness programs tend to produce happier and healthier employees. Benefits include things like:

  • More productivity at work
  • Better comradery with co-workers
  • Less illness (and using less sick days)
  • Overall better sense of well-being

Even if you are not in a position to enact large changes in the workplace you can start small. Think of different programs you might office at lunch or during breaks, encourage your colleagues to drink water during the day, have time to check in with one another on how life is going. There are many small ways that you can make an overall difference in the wellness of the workplace, no matter who you are or where you work.

Written by : Katie Schlagheck, Extension Educator Family and Consumer Sciences, Ottawa & Sandusky Counties

Reviewed by: Holly Bandy, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Science, Stark County

Too many meetings kill productivity, so CHOOSE happiness!

I was intrigued to read new research from Microsoft that found employees report not having enough uninterrupted focus time during the workday. One of the major factors relating to this lack of time was the 192% increase in the number of online meetings and calls held now versus pre-Covid. When I look at my own calendar, I see groups who used to meet once a month or even quarterly, now meeting every month, many even more often. During my typical week I probably have 3 in-person meetings and at least 4 online meetings. That doesn’t include the teaching I often do – online. A large study of over 30,000 employees held in early 2023 found that inefficient meetings are the number one distraction that impacts productivity, and too many meetings is number two.

A walking meeting

So, what can we do about meeting fatigue? Several companies have tried meeting free months, selecting one meeting-free day each week, or just shortening the length of meetings. In these cases, productivity and satisfaction increased, and stress levels were reduced.  Another idea is holding walking meetings. Walking meetings allow you to promote a healthy lifestyle while accomplishing work. An bonus benefit, walking meetings are usually shorter! If you want to try a Walking Meeting, here are a few tips:

  • Avoid noisy areas, so everyone can be heard.
  • Consider scheduling your meeting to avoid times when walking routes are busy (at lunch or right after school lets out).
  • Designate or include stops to ensure everyone is ok and to allow slow walkers to be included.
  • Consider note taking – will you record the meeting, or will someone write-up notes later?

While you are taking steps to reduce the number or length of meetings at your workplace, consider that “Happy Workers are More Productive.” Find ways to bring happiness to your workplace like:

  • Listening
  • Celebrating successes, birthdays, work anniversaries, etc.
  • Recognizing contributions of all staff to projects.
  • Leading by example using positivity, smiles, and humor; and avoiding office gossip.
  • Providing healthy treats every once in a while, like fresh fruit or vegetables, dark chocolate, or popcorn.

Consider ways you can cut out a meeting or two and improve the happiness of those with who you spend your time at work.

Writer: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County.

Reviewer: Misty Harmon, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Perry County.