Wellness in the Workplace

By Katie Fevold, CPA

This summer, we competed in the Des Moines Corporate Games, and for the second year in a row, we won the title of Division 4 Champions. Many associates participated in 25 events throughout the summer to gain this title. These events were not only a great chance to spend time with coworkers outside of work, but it also gave everyone an opportunity to participate in events they may never have participated in before. The Des Moines Corporate Games is just one example of how employers can help promote wellness in the workplace.

According to Mayo Clinic, there are several benefits to regular physical activity: improved moods, boosted energy, better sleep patterns, and it helps combat health conditions and diseases. Therefore, it is in the employer’s best interest to promote an active lifestyle and the employees’ best interest to engage in an active lifestyle. Besides participating in Des Moines Corporate Games, what are some other ways to promote wellness in the workplace?

1. Offer a discount/reimburse to employees for a gym membership. This will encourage employees to join a gym and hopefully start living a more active life style.
2. Get up and move throughout the day. Many people who work in an office are stuck sitting down for several hours a day. Simply getting up and stretching can help improve energy and attentiveness. Another option would be taking the stairs instead of the elevator or join a few employees for a quick walk over your lunch break.
3. Inform employees of the importance of living an active lifestyle. Bringing in a guest speaker, perhaps a physical therapist, for a lunch and learn can be a great way to inform people of the benefits of exercise. Also, sending out a monthly newsletter with health benefits of exercises or an article with stretches, that can be done at your desk or in your office, can give employees ideas of ways they can be more active.
4. Offer wellness screenings at your office. If the health screening is done at your office, it is very convenient and likely for employees to participate. This can help detect potential health concerns and allow the employees to take action and possibly change their lifestyle.
5. Sign up for events together. Like I mentioned earlier, the Des Moines Corporate games is a great way to gather employees and participate in events together. Another option would be to sign up for a 5K walk/run together. As a firm, we participated in Iowa’s Healthiest State Annual walk, where people from all 99 counties in Iowa walked.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389

Katie Fevold, CPA | Senior Accountant
KFevold@MHCScpa.com