Creating workplace health policies and a health-promoting environment demonstrates leadership support for employee health and creates a culture of wellness throughout the organization that makes it easier for employees to make healthy choices.
Here are some examples:
Food in the workplace policies
Food in the workplace policies set a clear guideline to ensure at least 50 percent of foods offered in the workplace (e.g., at events, celebrations, cafeterias and in vending machines) are low in sugar, salt, and saturated fats and are nutrient-dense. Such a policy supports employees who want to make healthy choices and creates norms around healthy foods.
Meeting well policies
Meeting well policies outline nutrition guidelines and ways to integrate physical activity into meetings. They ensure that appealing, nutritious foods are available when food is offered and encourage movement that makes meetings more productive and engaging.
Flexible work schedules
Flexible work schedules help support employees who want to integrate physical activity into their day by allowing them to take advantage of wellness opportunities. For example, a flex schedule allows longer lunch breaks so employees can attend gym classes and allows mothers to pump breast milk.
Environments that support clean air
Environments that support clean air include tobacco-free, vape-free campus policies. Onsite nicotine cessation counseling and health insurance benefits that cover the cost of prescription cessation medications is a huge support for employees who smoke or vape.
Environments that encourage physical activity
Environments that encourage physical activity include covered bike racks or bike lockers to encourage employees to bike to work. Signs that encourage the use of stairs and visually inviting and well-lit stairwells invite climbing. Maps of nearby walking routes, onsite workout facilities, showers, and/or active workstations such as standing desks or balance ball chairs are other options.
For more information, contact the Chronic Disease Prevention team.