Employers today are noticing that health care costs are rising and are due in large part to unhealthy employees.Unhealthy employees are driving costs up with overuse on medical claims and visits to the doctor or emergency room.Employers are also seeing the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.Along with lower health care costs, companies are noticing that when employees are healthy productivity increases and stress decreases.So if employers see it then how do we get our employees to see it too?What are some ways to promote a healthier lifestyle?Many companies have tried on technique that seems to get most employees motivated and excited about being healthy; an office “biggest loser” type contest.There are many benefits and advantages to an office “biggest loser” type contest approach, but like everything else there are also some disadvantages.
Benefits of a “Biggest Loser” type contest
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- Motivation.The a hardest thing about getting employees or anyone for that matter excited about losing weight and living healthy is motivation.A contest like “biggest loser” can be just the needed motivation that employees need; a reason to lose the weight.That is if there is a prize worth losing it for in the end (you know besides being the biggest loser).
- – You might have a few employees that are fit trim and healthy as a peach, but most could probably use a boost in healthy living.What better way to get everyone in the company involved than making a competition out of it.People are naturally driven to be better and with this type of competition you can compete with fellow co-workers and yourself.Something that the entire company can get involved in is more likely to work than if you are just targeting a certain group of individuals.
- – When you employ a tactic like the biggest loser type contest you decrease the risk of singling one person or group of people out.Nothing’s worse than your boss wanting you to lose weight and everyone else knowing about it because he or she has singled you out.
- – A competition like this encourages everyone to be healthy, not just you and the few individuals interested in it; everyone can contribute in some way or another.
Disadvantages of a “Biggest Loser” type contest
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- Some people although we are grown adults don’t like losing and unfortunately not everyone is a good sport.Don’t be surprised if you find some employees bagging on the contest because they’re not winning.Competition can bring out the best and worst in all of us.
- – Some employees may not like the idea that someone will be checking their weight, body fat, heart rate, etc. to keep track of noticeable improvements.Although this is a crucial part of the biggest loser contest some employees may protest about this part of it.
- – As all employees do not have the same body types and are at different health stages in their lives, some employees may not benefit from a biggest loser type contest.
If after all things considered you think that having a biggest loser type contest is something that will work with your company then go for it.If it isn’t, here are some other suggestions on how to get your employees to lose weight and be healthier.
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- Offer some company incentives, such as paying for part of a gym membership that employees can take advantage of, or offering some sort of cash incentive to those who meet specific healthy living goals.
- – If the budget allows for it, think about having a company work out facility where employees can feel less pressure about working out.Many people won’t go to a gym because there are too many other people there.
- – Change the food in the vending machines to healthy snacks.
- – Come up with a company receipt exchange.Healthy recipes only please.
These are just a few other ways to get your employees thinking about their long term health.It will cut health care costs for you, and help them live longer.You both win.