Over the last decade, the landscape of corporate workplaces has changed. There is a greater focus on employee wellness, and employee wellness programs have become a powerful tool in achieving corporate success. However, aligning wellness initiatives with eco-friendly practices is crucial as the world becomes more environmentally conscious. By integrating sustainable practices into wellness programs, companies create healthier, more engaged employees while reducing their environmental footprint. Sustainability and employee wellness are the two core concepts that are recognized as contributors to corporate and employee success.
What is Environmental Wellness?
What exactly is environmental wellness? The National Institute of Health (NIH) defines it as environmental wellness that creates clean, safe, and healthy surroundings. While their focus is on avoiding injuries, infections, or chemical exposures, environmental wellness encompasses much more and includes individual wellness, Earth-friendly initiatives, and corporate wellness.
You may have heard the terms going green, planet-friendly, sustainable living, eco-friendly living, environmental sustainability, and others. All of these terms include the idea that for us and our descendants to enjoy a healthy, high-quality life, we must keep our natural environment clean and healthy.
Why Sustainable Wellness Matters
Sustainable wellness, while still an innovative approach to wellness, has become a necessity in the corporate landscape. It is an innovative approach that combines traditional employee wellness programs with environmentally responsible practices. This holistic approach acknowledges that the well-being of employees is closely linked to their environment and our planet. By implementing sustainable wellness initiatives, companies can enhance employee health, reduce their environmental footprint, increase employee engagement, and contribute to a healthier planet. Now, we will explore the key elements of sustainable wellness and how each can be integrated into your organization’s wellness strategy.
Sustainable Wellness Elements
Employers who offer worksite wellness programs help employees adopt and maintain healthy behaviors. These programs encourage employees to make lifestyle choices that lead to better health and being good stewards of their health. Key Elements of Sustainable Wellness, include:
- Eco-Friendly Workspaces: As the marketing campaign says, “Go Green!” Creating a green, environmentally friendly workplace is the foundation of sustainable wellness. First, an assessment of the office space needs to be done. This is where you identify areas where you can make eco-friendly improvements. Use energy-efficient lighting, implement recycling programs, and encourage public transportation or carpooling to reduce carbon emissions from commuting. Additionally, indoor plants should be introduced to improve air quality and create a more pleasant work environment. These initiatives benefit the planet and enhance employees’ overall well-being by providing a healthier and more comfortable workspace.
- Nutrition and Sustainable Eating: Promoting sustainable eating habits among your employees is another crucial aspect of sustainable wellness. So, what is sustainable eating? It is where individuals select locally sourced, organic, and plant-based foods. If your office provides employees with snacks, keep this concept in mind when selecting snack options. By fostering sustainable eating practices, you contribute to your employees’ well-being and promote responsible food choices that benefit the environment.
- Physical Activity and Sustainable Transportation: Sustainable wellness encourages physical activity among employees while promoting eco-friendly transportation options. Encourage employees to incorporate physical activity into their daily routines. Examples can be walking meetings, standing desks, or fitness challenges. Additionally, promote sustainable transportation options, such as walking, biking, or using electric vehicles for commuting. By combining physical activity with sustainable commuting, you contribute to employee health and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Eco-Friendly Benefits: Consider including options that support sustainability when designing benefits packages. Offer subsidies for public transportation or incentives for using electric vehicles. Implement flexible work schedules or remote work options to reduce the need for daily commuting. Encourage telecommuting, which reduces the environmental impact of commuting and provides employees with a better work-life balance. By incorporating eco-friendly benefits, you demonstrate your commitment to sustainable wellness and make it easier for employees to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of sustainability and its impact on personal health is fundamental to sustainable wellness. Provide employees with the knowledge and tools to make sustainable choices at work and in their daily lives. When employees understand the connection between sustainability and their well-being, they are more likely to embrace eco-friendly practices and become advocates for positive change.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Employee Wellness Programs
Integrating eco-friendly practices into employee wellness programs has numerous benefits:
- Improved Physical Health: Reduced exposure to pollutants and toxins improves overall health.
- Enhanced Mental Wellbeing: Nature and sustainability-focused activities can decrease stress and improve mood.
- Increased Employee Engagement: Eco-friendly initiatives often increase employee involvement and satisfaction.
- Positive Corporate Image: Companies prioritizing sustainability are viewed more favorably, attracting talent and customers who value environmental responsibility.
- Long-Term Cost Savings: Sustainable practices can lead to financial savings through reduced resource consumption and waste.
The Connection Between Sustainability and Wellness
Equating sustainable practices that help our planet with employee wellness can seem difficult, but they are deeply interconnected. Sustainable workplace environments often promote physical health by improving air quality, reducing exposure to toxins, and incorporating design elements like plants and natural lighting. These environmentally conscious choices benefit the employees who work in these spaces daily.
For instance, eco-friendly offices with natural light and ventilation reduce stress, boost mood, and improve productivity. Companies that align their wellness initiatives with sustainable practices can foster a culture that values people and the planet.
Eagle Health encourages all businesses to examine their practices and find ways to make the workplace more sustainable. By taking this step, you are not only investing in the health and well-being of your employees but also contributing to a more sustainable future. Let’s all embrace positive change for overall health of our employees and our planet.
