Your Wellness Checklist

Are you doing all you can to promote workplace wellness to keep employees safe, healthy and productive?

It might be time for an honest evaluation.

Below are important steps that many companies are taking to encourage wellness. Check off all that apply to your workplace:

1. Work environments are well-ventilated, and there are areas that allow in plenty of natural sunlight, a natural productivity enhancer.

2. Safety reminders are appropriately located near potentially hazardous areas (such as excessive noise, fall hazards and hazardous materials).

3. Employees are properly trained in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

4. Health information/education posters are located throughout your workplace.

5. Vending machines offer healthy alternatives to candy and other junk food.

6. Your company offers lunch-and-learn presentations or screenings related to national health observances—such as smoking cessation during November, which includes the Great American Smokeout.

7. You provide access to mental health professionals or counselors through an employee assistance program (EAP) or other resource.

8. There are work-family policies in place, such as those that address flex time, telecommuting, or paternity leave. Employees are encouraged to take breaks and vacations.

9. Supervisors and managers are properly trained in recognizing signs of depression, alcohol abuse, and drug use.

10. You encourage and recognize the importance of exercise in the workplace by inviting employees to start and join a walking club, a local gym, and other simple ways to incorporate at least 30 minutes a day during the week.

How did you do? Is there anything you’re not already doing that you could add?

Remember, research shows that many companies that invest in wellness programs see lower absenteeism and greater productivity.

Try to add one or two new strategies to your wellness program planning this year. You just may see a difference this time next year in your employees and your bottom line.