Business owners are beginning to realize the true cost of having overweight employees. Because of the seriousness of this problem they are taking several different steps to help their employees lose weight and become healthier. It should be noted that employers must be careful not to discriminate against any employee who is overweight. Here is what you need to know about how to help your employees lose weight-
– Make the stairs more welcoming-One of the easiest to use fitness tools, might just be right inside your building. By creating a culture that encourage employees to use the stairs more, you are also promoting fitness and weight loss. Many business owners have made the effort to make the stairs in their building more appealing. This can be done by adding better lighting, repainting, adding new carpet, or even adding artwork with motivational sayings. Because distant and unused staircases can be a safety hazard, some business owners are adding security cameras to help employees feel safer as well.
– Put the emphasis on moving-Some business owners are implementing campaigns that will help get their employees moving. Whether they have moved the parking garage, further from the office, slowed down the elevators, or offered free pedometers, for walkers, it all adds up to getting their staff moving and losing weight.
– Start an employee wellness program-A full fledged and well researched employee wellness program can go a long way toward helping your employees lose weight. Weight loss, diet and nutrition can be addressed in a myriad number of ways through the use of an employee wellness program. Participants can meet with registered dieticians and trainers show can help them determine what will be needed for weight loss. Cooking classes and demos can show employees healthier eating options. Counseling can be provided for those who need further one on one help, in their weight loss journey.
– Change the company culture-It is unrealistic to expect your employees to stick with their weight loss goals, when every morning meeting features donuts and soda. The same is true if the hallways of your company are filled with vending machines that are overflowing with candy, soda, and other high fat treats. If you are serious about helping your employees lose weight, then you will need to take steps to change the company culture. Healthier snacks can be offered at meetings and in the vending machines, and if your company has an onsite cafeteria, then having a healthy overhaul of the offerings might need to happen as well. A registered dietician can help to revamp the cafeteria menu, so that employees do not have to choose between convenience and health.
– Think outside the box-It is important to remember that diet and nutrition, are only one side of the weight loss equation. Some employers are coming up with creative solutions to help their employees trying to lose weight, have an opportunity to exercise, as well. Many businesses are now turning to offering on site gyms and if that is not possible, discounts to local gyms. Businesses are forming walking clubs and offering incentives, for employees who complete a certain number of miles. Many businesses that cannot afford to offer full service gyms, are putting in walking paths around their building.One creative business owner whose company is housed in several different buildings offers employees a chance to check out a bike to ride from building to building. One unusually creative business has turned an empty lot into a produce garden. Employees who volunteer to work in the garden, can not only get their exercise, but take home free produce as well.