The benefits of a culture of health in the workplace

The benefits of a culture of health in the workplace

The benefits of a culture of health in the workplace

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to deconstruct the well-being of people around the world. This impact exposes the relationship between the health of the workforce and the spirit of the economy. As we look ahead to 2022 and beyond, health care experts are interested in ways to better support employees while increasing engagement at work. Studies have shown that culture plays a critical role in the success of workforce health. Employees who report to work happy, healthy, and energized contribute to a culture of health that is good for both the employer and the employee. Workplace culture can reform by making fitness a priority.

A culture of health in the workplace is where the employees’ physical and mental well-being is a top priority. For this to be successful, employers must create a culture that promotes healthy behaviors and provides the necessary tools and resources to make this happen. The culture of health has three main pillars: culture, resources, and support. Each post extends upon the framework of well-being—social, emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, intellectual, and community well-being (SEAS) - both in the workplace and beyond.

1. What is a culture of health?

The culture of health links the behavioral determinants for people’s lifestyles with their physical and mental well-being. According to the culture of health definition developed by The Conference Board, culture is  “a collection of values that define what behaviors are considered acceptable or unacceptable in groups.” Health is “the degree to which an individual can perform activities necessary for sustaining life with vigor and alertness, free from disability or disease.” Meaning that organizational cultures encourage employees to make healthy behavior choices while also helping them become aware of the impact these decisions have on their overall health.

2. The benefits of a culture of health in the workplace

The culture of health in the workplace is beneficial for both employees and employers. Employees feel more comfortable and adequately supported when culture, resources, and support align with the culture of health. Employers benefit from a culture of health as it helps increase engagement, drive better decision-making regarding the overall well-being of employees, and positively impact business results by reducing medical costs. Organizations with a culture of health programs see a 4% to 9% reduction in medical expenses and a 3% to 5% increase in productivity due to a culture of health initiatives that encourage healthy behaviors. Once a culture of health sets into the organization, it becomes easier for companies to change cultures, such as wellness, by offering additional benefits such as fitness center memberships or onsite medication consultations not related directly to mental or physical illness or injury.

3. How can employers create a culture of health in the workplace?

Employers can promote healthy behaviors by creating a culture of health based on values and norms that support healthy choices. They can also provide the necessary tools and resources to help employees make healthy decisions. Which includes offering affordable and innovative healthcare services and providing communication platforms, support tools, programs, and incentives that drive engagement and influence behavior. Lastly, employers can engage employees in maintaining this culture.

4. What are some challenges employers face when creating a culture of health in the workplace?

Employers face several challenges when creating a culture of health in the workplace. One challenge is that not all employees may see the value of having a healthy culture. Organizations must communicate the benefits associated with a culture of health and why it matters to employees. Another is that culture tends to run deep in organizations, so embedding a culture of health may take some time and effort. It is essential to slowly create a healthy culture and sustain its growth over time.

5. How can employees create and maintain a culture of health at work?

Employees can create and maintain a culture of health at work by engaging in healthy behaviors, communicating their needs and concerns, and providing feedback. Employees can engage in healthy behaviors by making healthy diet, exercise, and stress management choices. They can also promote healthy behaviors among their co-workers.

Conclusion

If you want to create a culture of health in the workplace, both employers and employees must understand what the culture of health entails. A culture of health entails having values and norms for healthy behaviors and providing the necessary tools and resources to help your employees make healthy decisions. For this culture to be thriving, there needs to be buy-in from everyone involved--employers need input on how best to implement these principles while also encouraging engagement among their workforce.

If you are interested in learning more about creating a healthy culture at work, let me know! I can develop a plan that will meet your specific organizational goals by considering employee engagement, the culture of health in a global environment, and the intersections between culture and digital transformation.

For more information about the culture of health at work or how I can support your organization today, call +7742466496 or write me at hello@evaaning.com


Thank you for your time! Enjoy your day!


Sources

The 4 Biggest Health Care Trends Of 2022 and How They Impact America's Employers

https://newsroom.cigna.com/4-biggest-health-care-trends-2022-impact-on-employers

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