In today’s fast-paced world, employee wellness is no longer an optional perk. It is a strategic driver for sustainable business growth. Businesses that prioritise employee well-being report a remarkable increase in employee engagement, productivity, retention, and lower rates of absenteeism.
A recent McKinsey survey conducted in the Middle East found that one in three employees face symptoms of burnout and other physical health concerns, contributing to low performance.
As Yasar Khan, Assistant Manager, Human Resources at Salama, shares: “A healthy workforce isn’t just a happy workforce; it’s the engine of productivity, innovation, and lasting success. Investing in employee health and fitness is investing in the very heart of your organisation.”
Practical, everyday tips to improve employee health and fitness at work
Encourage employees to take short breaks
Working long hours without rest can impact work-life balance, lead to high burnout rates, and even push employees into a negative spiral of exhaustion, mistakes, stress, and more work. Therefore, raise awareness among your employees to take micro-breaks, do stretches, go on short walks, and unplug from the screen to reset their mood and improve energy levels.
Try standing or walking meetings
Sometimes, swapping traditional sit-down meetings with standing or walking meetings can be a great way to stimulate creativity, productivity and meaningful exchanges. These forms of meetings can reduce sitting time as sitting for a long time can be detrimental to health and result in sedentary behaviour. Furthermore, a research report from Stanford University shows that walking increases creative thinking, thereby, making walking meetings perfect for brainstorming or quick catch-ups.
Focus on hydration and eating right
Dehydration can result in fatigue, lack of focus, and impact overall productivity. Encourage your employees by communicating the benefits of staying hydrated through internal communication channels. Along with this, it will be beneficial to have inspirational quotes, wellness posters, and messages that promote healthy eating habits among employees.
Promote desk exercises
Sitting at a desk for long hours can take a toll on the body. Therefore, encouraging employees to perform desk exercises like shoulder rolls, neck and triceps stretches, or even providing standing/treadmill desks can boost physical and mental well-being at work.
Additionally, conducting staff wellness sessions and challenges through platforms like Wellx can motivate your employees.
As Hanady Ali, Senior Administration Officer, Human Resources at Salama adds: “Move your body, refresh your mind, stay positive, and build strong connections with your colleagues — these small habits create energy, focus, and a thriving workplace every day.”
Focusing on building small and sustainable healthy habits, further supported by thoughtful wellness programmes can drive lasting change in your organisation.
Employee wellness and health: Strategic moves that matter
Upon setting up the foundation, you can further scale up your efforts by opting for broader, strategic, organisation-wide initiatives. This includes:
- Employee engagement programmes, like team outings, staff events, incentives, and recognition programs, foster healthy competition and boost morale
- Employee Assistance Programmes that focus on protecting employees’ mental well-being in the workplace and providing professional support for handling personal challenges
- Providing employees with flexible work options like flex-timings, opportunity to work remotely/in a hybrid way
- Robust employee benefits including comprehensive health and life insurance coverage, provisions to enhance gratuity, learning and development opportunities, and helping employee to feel confident about their financial future.
Explore how you can provide your employees with the right benefits to improve productivity, achieve long-term success, and help your employees thrive here.
The best part is that small steps can go a long way in supporting a happier and healthier workplace and ultimately, a more thriving business.
