May is Employee Health and Fitness Month

Wednesday, 18 May 2011 16:00

News - Wellness News

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While organizations should make employee wellness a priority year-round, May marks Employee Health and Fitness month, a time for employers to contemplate whether they're doing enough to encourage active and healthy lifestyles in their staff.

Employee wellness programs and other health initiatives serve not just to improve the well-being of the working population, but also help to strengthen employee performance, reduce workplace stress and cut back on costs stemming from employee health benefits.

Previously, the National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) designated just one day to employee wellness, but recently expanded the scope to a full month.

"Business and industry can encourage positive behavior change in the supportive context of workplace policies and culture and provide support that assists today's workforce with their daily struggles," said NAHF Executive Director, Phil Haberstro.

Kaiser Permanente offered some ways in which employers can make small changes to promote employee wellness. First, having meetings in which workers are allowed to stand and are served healthy snacks may help, as could promoting walks during lunchtime.