Being in work is good for people's health and wellbeing, but increasingly employers are recognising that a healthy workforce is beneficial to the organisation too.
It really isn't overstepping the mark, as an employer, to take a real interest in the health of your employees; it's good for them and in terms of bottom line, it can be good for your company.
It's proven that by creating a positive, safe and healthy environment for employees, you can increase morale, improve your employees' work-life balance and, in turn, have a positive impact your business. Bit of a win, win really.
The obvious benefit of having a healthy workforce is that healthier employees are, in general, absent less often. This has obvious cost savings but healthy, motivated team members are usually more productive and with a good team spirit, recruitment and retention benefits are also to be had.
Cakes, biscuits, and chocolates are often found in an office, especially if it's someone's birthday or a celebration. Who doesn't want a slice of cake on their birthday, but perhaps putting out a daily fruit bowl rather than sugary treats would be better to encourage your employees to choose the healthy option.
Let's be honest, lots of people need the caffeine kick-start that a coffee provides each morning. Getting the skinny latte or flat white from a preferred coffee shop is a morning ritual cherished by many. But while drinking an Americano or three can make your employees more alert in the short term, in the longer term they will probably face a 'caffeine crash' sometime in the afternoon. Their concentration waivers and the 3-pm slump kicks in. This late afternoon downturn could be the difference between securing a deal, and not. A healthy alternative to caffeine overload is to provide a water fountain in the office providing a chilled supply of fresh water is available throughout the day. Tie this in to some daytime exercise and you can promote the importance of keeping hydrated rather than regularly caffeinated.
A fun way to promote the importance of healthy living among your employees is to enter a sporting event that they can all participate in. Not only will this assist in your healthy living drive, it will also help with team-building and bonding amongst your staff. Getting everybody involved in a sponsored run, walk or cycle will create a healthy atmosphere and you can include a fundraising element which will not only help out a local chosen charity, but also help your CSR plans and create good PR for your organisation to boot.
If you look after your employees, as well as the wider society, your business is likely to have a healthier culture and a more positive public image.
Research indicates that running is good for you!
All runners hear the naysayers: Running is bad for your knees; running destroys the body; don't you know people drop dead at marathons?
Support from Tesco bears fruit!
Big thank you Community Champion Theresa and the team at Tesco Extra in Quedgeley for kindly helping the first 250 people who register recover after the fun run by providing bananas and apples.
Very kind and will make such a difference. As they say 'Every little helps'!
Post run recovery – so important!
Especially if you are new to running a hard workout is good for the body and soul, but not without a solid recovery plan.
Pushing yourself too hard without taking good care of your body can result in days or even weeks of soreness.
Whether you're working out to get in better shape, to feel faster or both, limiting your activity due to sore muscles can set you back.
Kingsway Primary School steps up!
Big thank you to the staff and pupils at Kingsway Primary School.
The school are encouraging the pupils to take part and have kindly given each parent information about the event.
Staff and parents led by Mrs Lawes and Mr England are allowing the 5k route to include their playing field and running a water station.
The event fits well with the school's ongoing commitment to their pupil's well being, health, fitness and engagement with their community.
Great to have AllCooper Security, Cass Stephens and Pertemps Recruitment as sponsors at today's launch event.
It was super too that the Mayor & Sheriff were there to thank them.
Watch out for coverage over the next few days in The Citizen and on BBC Radio Gloucestershire.
Be quick if you or anyone you know is looking to get fit enough to take part in the run to the free 6 week training programme.
Just a few places left for people who register for the event.
6 weeks of carefully planned physical exercise; including cardio, strength and conditioning and yoga sessions with easy-to-follow videos and instructions.
The importance of a healthy and balanced diet is explained with informative articles and an insight into basic sports nutrition. Daily motivation will help participant feel supported and encouraged throughout the programme.
Please like our page to get updates on the event, see who else is taking part and encourage others to follow your lead and sign up.