With the fresh air and sunshine filling our days lately, we have been thinking more and more about having a healthy summer. Having a healthy summer means something different for everyone and it’s important that we note that.
In this article, we’re diving into how employers can promote a healthy summer for their team. It’s all about boosting employee wellness this year!
Encourage walking.
The first tip is going to be the easiest for employees to get on board with. It’s simply walking more. Whether it’s walking to work if possible, walking up the stairs to the office instead of taking the elevator, parking further away at the grocery store or going for a daily 10 minute walk around the neighbourhood.
There are so many ways to get your steps in that doesn’t mean walking for an hour on the treadmill. But hey, if that’s your thing too, go for it!
As an employer, you can even write out a list of walking trails around the office and how long they will take the employees. Encourage walks for employees on breaks, lunch times or even just to clear their heads before an important meeting.
Host an office field day.
Do you remember when you were in school having field days? Where students would be put into teams and spend the day outside doing different outdoor activities and sports? This doesn’t just have to happen at school, it can happen at the office as well!
Encourage your staff to take part in this field day by promoting a fun, active environment. Bring lots of snacks, drinks and games to the table and have a really fun day outside being healthy and active!
You can even invite their families to take part as well. This type of fun will also encourage your staff members to work together in a new sort of way to promote collaboration and teamwork!
Encourage hydration with a water bar.
When the summer heat rolls around, it can be easy to push a beer at the office. But instead, focus on hydrating drinks, not dehydrating ones. Use some time one afternoon to create a water bar in the office.
Get some water filtration systems, some fruit to infuse the water with, a lot of ice cubes and some fun cups to use! Having this spot will not only bring employees together, but it will keep everyone hydrated on those hot summer days.
Eat summer foods.
Different foods are in season at different times. As an employer, one way to promote a healthy summer for your employees is to promote eating healthy summer foods. Create a group Slack channel or email thread to share your favourite healthy recipes.
Share your favourite local farmers markets and the best finds when you go there. You could even host a healthy summer potluck where everyone brings their favourite summer dish to enjoy together.
Promote resting and relaxing.
Summer can be very busy for people, especially those with kids! It’s critical to promote resting and relaxing for your staff as well. Remind them that a constant go, go, go mentality breeds burnout and that’s something no employer (or employee) wants to experience.
Research shows those who relax have lower heart rates, less stress, and reduced symptoms of issues like anxiety and depression.
Looking for more fun tips?
These 5 tips are only the beginning of promoting a healthy summer for your employees. Be sure to check out our other blogs about workplace happiness and bringing your team together. We’d be more than happy to point you in the direction of other specific topics you’re looking for.
