There’s no question creating a work environment that promotes employee health while on the job is important. However, the mental and physical well-being of employees outside of work has a direct impact on their productivity when on the job. Healthy team members take less leave, are more focused, less likely to leave, and most importantly, know that you genuinely care about their wellbeing. This is your guide for ideas on how agriculture companies can encourage their employees to stay safe and healthy outside of work.
Promote Preventative Healthcare
In addition to offering health insurance, there are little things you can do to encourage employees to be proactive about their health. For example, you can coordinate onsite flu vaccinations to make them more accessible to those who otherwise wouldn’t get them. Another idea is to invite a health care professional once or twice a year to speak to your employees about the most common health conditions. The discussion can include warning signs and preventive actions to reduce their risk of developing these conditions.
Advocate for Healthy Diets
It’s no secret that eating healthy can prevent illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. Not to mention it makes you feel better and gives you more energy, which translates into a higher level of productivity. This is mutually beneficial for your employees and your ag operation. The good news is that you can do things in the office to promote healthy eating at work and home.
- Invite a dietician to talk with your employees about eating healthy—for example, choosing the right foods and appropriate portions.
- Offer to either fully cover or subsidize a dieting or nutrition program that employees want to join.
- Provide free healthy foods at work, such as fruits and vegetables to snack on.
Encourage Exercise
Eating healthy and exercise go hand-in-hand. Exercising increases energy levels, builds muscle, and releases endorphins that elevate your mood. It is easier than you may think to encourage employees to engage in physical activity outside of work. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Provide a complimentary fitness tracker such as a Garmin or Fitbit.
- Purchase gym memberships for employees.
- Install an onsite fitness center that is available to employees outside of working hours.
- Create a team sports program if your organization is large enough. For smaller organizations, find an organized team sports program for employees to participate in.
Help Employees to Quit Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Smoking and alcohol consumption are highly addictive habits that are damaging to your health. Assist employees who want to quit by either completely funding or subsidizing treatment.
Promote Mental Health
Mental health is often overlooked but is just as important as physical health. Consider offering ways for employees to improve their mental health. This may include inviting a mental health professional to come and speak to your organization about coping mechanisms to deal with stress and tips to reducing stress in their lives. Perhaps you can implement a weekly or monthly meditation class.
If feasible, providing onsite counseling or funding off-site counseling when employees need it is a great way to ensure they have access to help when they need it, whether it is work-related or personal matters.
Take Care of Employees, and They Will Take Care of You
The agriculture industry is one of service. For instance, if your operation produces crops, then you are helping to feed the world. When your employees know that you care about their wellbeing, they are more likely to give their all to your organization. Investing in your team and encouraging them to stay safe and healthy outside of work is a win-win for all parties involved.
When it comes time to hire your next great team member, let Morris Bixby help. As a leading ag recruiting agency in the country, our specialists have extensive experience finding the best candidates to fit your needs. Contact us today, and let’s get started!