OpenMagazine

There is a major push for healthy work environments in big and small businesses alike. Companies of all sizes across various industries are actively improving their employee wellness programmes. But why? What are the benefits of this movement? 

Since people spend a significant part of their lives at work, it’s important to understand the effects of work environments on an individual’s health, as it is more far-reaching than most people realise. 

1. Increased Productivity

An employee performs at his best when he enjoys his work environment. An office that is dedicated to the wellbeing of the employees should have good energy, and the energy of a healthy working environment can only come from great infrastructure. Since work environments have a direct impact on the psyche, a positive psyche would lead to increased efficiency and productivity by keeping employees focused and more interested in their roles for the expansion of the company.

2. Attracting Better Quality Employees

Companies that strive to create a better work experience for their employees will tend to attract more applicants, which increases healthy competition among applicants. More applicants also mean that there is a larger pool of potential talents and quality employees to choose from. 

3. Reduced Turnover

Turnover is expensive. According to a number of studies, losing an employee can cost as much as six to nine months’ worth of salary. A healthy work environment acts as an incentive for employees to stay and progress in the company, which creates more skilled workers. Retaining employees will also help save on the costs of training and recruiting.

4. Reduced Healthcare Costs

Healthy employees spend less money on healthcare and enjoy lower insurance rates. Thus, maintaining a healthy work environment can reduce your business’s healthcare spending long-term.

5. Lower Rates of Absenteeism

Absenteeism reduces overall productivity in the workplace. Employees that are healthy call out sick less and therefore cost less money overall.

Work plays a significant part in our lives. It ensures that there’s food on the table, the electricity stays on, and there are savings for a rainy day. With current technology that makes employees accessible around the clock and fears of unemployment that incentivise unreasonable hours, work-life balance can seem unattainable. The compounding stress from endless working hours is damaging for relationships, health, and overall happiness. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is VITAL, not only for mental and physical health but productivity and performance. 

Don’t be Afraid to Unplug

With better technology came the rise of telecommuting and ease of communication, improving working life in many ways. However, it has also normalised the expectation of constant accessibility, blurring the distinction between working and off-work hours. Receiving incessant notifications while you’re trying to relax is stressful, and can feel like you’re always on the clock. Make quality time true quality time by unplugging, i.e., disconnecting from the wifi, switching to airplane mode, or making use of the ‘Do Not Disturb’ function. While it will be difficult to unplug initially, continual practice will help build resilience.

Set Boundaries

Similar to unplugging, setting boundaries for yourself will help prevent burnout. Once out of the office, stop thinking about work commitments or upcoming projects. If possible, have separate devices for work that can be switched off once you clock out. If not, use different browsers and email addresses or separate work and personal platforms. Notify your colleagues and higher-ups about your boundaries, and set working hours beyond which you will not be accessible. Proper communication will help form a mutual respect for workplace limits and expectations.

Prioritise your Physical and Mental Health

Some things are crucial in life: eating, sleeping, social interaction, but one crucial need is often neglected: physical activity. Whenever work gets in the way, our allotted exercise time is often the first to go. However, exercise is vital in maintaining both physical and mental health. Not only does it help reduce stress by releasing endorphins, but it also puts you in a meditative state. Not all exercise has to be arduous or time-consuming, even a short walk or a light stretch is greatly beneficial. 

Besides that, don’t be afraid to use your sick days. Not only will you be protecting your coworkers, overworking yourself may possibly cause you to need more days off in the future. 

Understand that there is no such thing as “Perfection”

All this talk concerning healthy “work-life balance” probably makes it seem like you have to be extremely productive at work, clock out, then have a flourishing lifestyle off-work. While this is the ideal, it’s a rarity. Strive for a realistic work-life balance rather than an idealistic one. Some days may be work-heavy while other days may be spent mostly on leisure activities. However, one size does not fit all, some prefer the former while some want the latter. Balance is not perfection, but a sustainable and comfortable lifestyle.