With the new year around the corner, resolutions and goals are being shared around the office. However, did you know only about 8% of people who set resolutions stick to them? A list by Time Magazine, shares the most commonly broken new year’s resolutions. High on the list of these broken resolutions include losing weight, quitting smoking, and volunteering. Because we spend the majority of our lives at work, here are some ideas on how you can help your employees stick with their new year’s resolutions.
Resolution: Lose weight
- Create a health minded work environment. Rather than chips, candy, and unhealthy snacks around the office, stock the cafe area with healthy alternatives. Snacks like fresh fruit, trail mix, and vegetables are inexpensive and easy to keep on hand. When catering in lunch for employee birthdays and meetings, go for a healthier take-out option. Encourage employees to bring in healthy items for pot lucks. Change up the potluck sign-up sheet to have menu items already listed for people to bring. Everyone is more likely to eat healthy if the variety and options are available to them.
- Foster friendly competition around the office. Organizations everywhere participate in health challenges like, “The Biggest Loser.” At Applied Innovation, we have quarterly wellness challenges where employees team up and face off for most steps earned, most active minutes, etc. Keep it light and fun so employees stay engaged and continue to participate.
- Offer an incentive for being active. Ask your healthcare provider if there are any reductions for employees who work out. If employees go to the gym, a fitness class, and have proof, many healthcare providers can offer a discount on insurance. It’s worth looking in to if it can help your employees save money while getting healthy and sticking to their goals.
Resolution: Quit smoking
- Offer a non smoking incentive. Here at Applied Innovation, employees have the option to sign an affidavit stating they are non smokers. With this affidavit, employees are eligible for $5 off their weekly insurance contributions. If your healthcare plan offers smoking cessation programs, ensure they are publicized to employees and promote them!
- Establish a tobacco free policy at work. This would include all tobacco products including chewing tobacco, cigars, etc. Removing all tobacco products can help a smoker from transitioning to a different form of tobacco use.
- Have support tools available. The American Cancer Society states that it takes 8-10 attempts before a smoker actually quits. Withdrawal periods are tough and can cause weight gain, irritability, stress, and sleep disorders. Having additional resources for employees to become involved in, such as stress management and wellness programs, will help see them through this uncomfortable period.
Resolution: Volunteer
- Provide volunteer opportunities. Work with your community to coordinate a corporate volunteering event. Choose programs and opportunities where all team members can participate. Engage with all employees to identify areas of interest such as running a charity race together or working in a homeless shelter.
- Offer workday community service hours. Designating a number of hours that can be used during the workday allows employees to volunteer without taking time off. By doing so, employees are able to volunteer mentoring, tutoring, or doing a number of community services they would be unable to do due to time constraints.
- Host a fundraiser. This is a great way to involve the community and your employees together to raise money and awareness for a non-profit. Events are also a fun opportunity to build relationships with coworkers, so why not make it an extra positive experience by donating to a greater cause?
When people are able to improve their physical and mental well being, they are able to perform better, be more productive, and have a more positive attitude. Employers should do everything they can to ensure their workplace is a supportive environment. Providing extra resources such as guest speakers, support groups, and team events can help employees stick with their new year’s resolutions.