Healthy Workplace, healthy workers

More and more we are hearing how stress can impact the health of individuals. Some of that stress may be generated at work, but in tough economic times financial concerns can also generate a lot of stress. This stress carries into the workplace.

A few of the symptoms of stress are:

• Irritability
• Lack of appetite or Overeating
• Lack of energy
• Lack of interest  in people and events
• Physical illness, stomach upset, headaches, muscle aches and pains
• and the list goes on. 

Business owners can offer some help and support to employees through an employment assistance program that offers counseling of various kinds. This may be provided through a group insurance benefit package.

January and February are often difficult months because of the reduced hours of daylight and the let down after the holiday season. New years resolutions are often forgotten by the third or fourth week of the new year and this can lead to despondency. 

Simple things in the workplace can encourage workers to improve their health. For example a walking program can be organized where all workers are encouraged to track how many steps they take each day. Or a weight loss group can be organized during a lunch hour or before work. The employer can provide the scales and ask three or four interested workers to help with the organizational tasks.  For example TOPS has a great workplace program that anyone can join for $ 30.00 a year membership. Details can be found at
http://www.tops.org/default.aspx

Employers have a responsibility to encourage their employees to be healthy...healthy workers help build a healthy workplace with fewer accidents, fewer sick days, and better morale.