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How to Have Workplace Wellness

    

I’ve worked at a lot of companies, big, small, start-ups, agencies and Fortune 500s, and when it comes to workplace wellness, it’s not size that matters. Even though more than 85% of large employers offer a wellness program, less than one in four employees actually participates in it, according to a recent Gallup poll. This is a problem. Not only for companies’ bottom lines, but for the people who work there. Even when my big name employer offered an elaborate fitness facility, monthly wellness speakers, and subsidized massages, I always felt like I had to sneak out to take advantage of any of it.

Just read my previous post on increasing employee engagement through work-life balance to see how companies benefit from increasing engagement with wellness programs and you might wonder the same thing I do-- why are so few people using these programs? What can I do about it? How can I improve my workplace wellness? 

Are you sneaking in your wellness?

You might have tried to take 30 minutes on your lunch break to get to the company gym or go on a walk and felt like you had to sneak out. Or maybe you would have loved to attend the company talk to get ideas on “Managing Stress” but felt you shouldn’t be away from your desk.

Gallup learned that team managers are “uniquely positioned to ensure that each of their employees knows about the company's wellness program, to encourage team members to take part, and to create accountability for results.”  Managers set the tone.

In “Why Your Business Wellness Program Isn’t Working,” Gallup Business Journal asserts, “It takes great managers to engage employees. If workers feel that their manager truly cares about their well-being they are more likely to be top performers and to produce higher quality work, and they are less likely to get sick, change jobs, or be injured at work.”

 

DIY workplace wellness program

So what if your company doesn’t offer a state-of-the-art fitness facility, a sport-court, or even have a walking trail near by? Or maybe a “wellness program” is Q4 2016 priority?  You know you can practice wellness anytime, anywhere with Grokker. All you need is your laptop, tablet or phone. Here are some ideas:

  • Put on your headphones and try a mindfulness meditation at your desk

  • Book a small open conference room, push the chairs to the side and try a 15 minute yoga routine

  • Invite a few teammates to the break room (or any open space) for a stress-releasing Intro to cardio kick-boxing workout. You’ll feel better getting the blood pumping and probably have a good laugh seeing coworkers in a new light! All good for the soul.

  • Or just stand up and stretch

Whatever your style, Grokker wants to help you be a better you. And no matter if your company has a “program” or not, you can be a leader and bring about a happier workplace and happier team through making a habit of wellness, in bite size pieces each day. No budget, meetings or roadmap needed!

We’d love to hear from you! Tell us how you’re taking steps toward workplace wellness in the forum and read what others are saying too.

 

 

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