As winter approaches, lifestyles reflect the colder weather. Activity and eating patterns change; moods may shift due to decreasing sunlight or more seasonal get-togethers with families and friends. Employees, both onsite and virtual, will be affected by the cold, snow, and dark coming our way. How can you help them survive and thrive during a Minnesota winter? Take action to support these four pillars of well-being: physical, emotional, social, and financial health.
Physical health can be enhanced by providing opportunities for employees to eat healthy and be active:
- Encourage “walk and talk” or standing meetings.
- Establish a “walk or work” policy — allow 15 minutes during the workday to be used for walking (if employees choose not to walk, they continue working).
- Start a healthy eating challenge. Look here or here for ideas.
- Send out a monthly newsletter with healthy recipes or ask employees to submit recipes and post for all to see.
Emotional health means having the capacity to handle emotions, both positive and negative. Emotional health also includes knowing when to ask for help. Find ways to help your employees use their minds and feelings:
- Offer yoga or meditation classes.
- Provide links to humorous podcasts or speakers.
- Promote employee assistance program (EAP) resources regularly.
Social health is the ability to form relationships with others, from coworkers to friends to family members. Offer opportunities to counteract the distancing and isolation that COVID restrictions have created:
- Establish a way for staff to create employee interest groups. Let employees choose the focus for the groups.
- Hold short social events during the workday so family or outside obligations don’t prevent employees from attending.
- Create time during work meetings to check in on non-work topics.
Financial health is the ability to handle current and future financial obligations. Paying a living wage is at the top of the list for what an employer can do for financial health. Other ideas:
- Offer workshops or webinars on topics related to financial health such as budgeting, debt, college loans, home ownership, or retirement plans.
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Promote Lutheran Social Services for those needing help with financial health.
For those who want to offer extra support, encouragement, and information on ways to improve their well-being this winter, consider offering The Frosty four challenge. This challenge focuses on four pillars of well-being as well as keeping off extra winter weight.
The Frosty four challenge
Who: Worksite wellness coordinators
When: Tuesday, December 7, 9–10:30 a.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams (virtual meeting link will be sent ahead of time)
How: Click here to sign up by Friday, December 3 at 5 p.m.
Cost: $25 per person
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