In the workplace, health awareness programs can make a genuine difference to the wellbeing of employees, and this will be reflected in their productivity. These activities nurture better relationships between colleagues, reduce absences due to sickness and support the aims of the Health and Safety Executive.
Ensuring people do not pass on illnesses
During the COVID-19 pandemic, people were able to work from home to help curb the spread of the virus. However, now things have returned to normal, employees could be tempted to come to work, even if they may be contagious. To stop the spread of infections around the workplace and prevent the problem of many people being absent simultaneously, employers should have a policy that covers time off due to illness. This ensures the team knows what is expected of them if they feel unwell. However, good practices such as regular handwashing and keeping workspaces clean can be useful in infection control.
Promoting a clean and tidy workplace
Employees should be encouraged to clean their desks or the area they work in regularly. Establishing and displaying rules around clutter can ensure that the office stays clean and organised, without managers having to regularly intervene. It may also help to have a comfortable space with tables and chairs, where employees can take breaks. This encourages people to eat lunch away from their desks, so the team does not have to deal with unwanted odours and there is less risk of spillages in the office.
Good health etiquette
Good practices around hygiene at work promote productivity and support a healthier environment. Businesses can provide their teams with guidance on effective hand washing through posters which promote awareness, as this is an especially cheap and simple way of managing the spread of infections. Staff can also be provided with antibacterial wipes for cleaning their desks and equipment, as well as hand sanitiser. Used regularly, these can help to reduce bacteria and prevent the transfer of viruses between employees.
Keeping the team safe with drug testing
Many companies that are taking an organisational approach to promoting employee health, choose to implement a program of drug testing. This can be used as an opportunity to raise awareness of the team’s health and safety responsibilities and reduce the risk of accidents. People who are affected by either alcohol or drugs can have difficulty concentrating, they may have slower reaction times and poorer judgement, all of which constitute a problem for their colleagues. Matrix Diagnostics provides drug testing lab services that can help a business plan and coordinate testing plans that meet their custom needs. Clients have access to expert telephone support, a dedicated portal for monitoring test results and swift turnarounds.
Committing to employee health with an organised agenda
Companies that support employee wellbeing can benefit both their teams and their bottom line. Once in place, these practices become a key driver of organisational performance because they nurture an environment in which individuals feel more valued and engaged with their roles. Fortunately, there are many cost-effective steps that leaders can take to promote health awareness and, in doing so, develop a more positive working atmosphere.
