Corporate wellness isn't just for large employers...
When we think about 'corporate wellness' we tend to think about the large businesses, such as AstraZeneca, who offer all sorts of perks to their employees to ensure they are kept in good health.
Before we come to you and your small business, lets get an understanding of why a company would invest a small fortune in to their employees health and wellness.
The answer is written above. Because it's an investment, NOT a cost. A healthy and happy employee will take less sick leave and work far more productively than an unhealthy, unhappy employee.
To put it another way, a healthy employee is a income producing asset to your business. An unhealthy employee can quickly become a liability to your business.
So why, as small business owners, do we not take heed to this? Why are we not encouraging our small number of employees to improve their health? After all, the smaller the business, the more direct the impact is when one person isn't pulling their weight! Can you afford to lose a member of staff for a month due to an avoidable illness?!
And what about for the individuals? The self employed folk? Are you looking after yourself?
As a self employed person, you rely solely on yourself to bring in an income. You need to be sharp and to give your business 100% effort 100% of the time. The smallest disruption will have a significant impact on your bottom line.
Top Tips
Stay Active
Whether for you that involves joining a gym and enlisting a person trainer, getting involved in a sports club or simply aiming to increase your daily steps - move more! (I know a great gym with the best personal trainers around)
Eat a balanced diet
We may make some silly choices when it comes to nutrition, and if you're looking for optimal results you may need to drill down your nutrition to the specifics, but for the majority of us, we know hat we need to do!
Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg (ideally 8+) per day and look to consume a vast range of colours.
Prioritise protein. All of our cells require protein to function. Protein also aids weight loss and is essential for maintenance of lean muscle tissue.
Cut down on the refined sugars; sweets, chocolate, biscuits etc.
Limit your alcohol consumption. Remember, alcohol is very high calorie, has no nutritional value and will negatively affect your mental alertness.
Hydration
0ur bodies are made up of 60 - 70% water. It has been shown that a 5% drop in hydration can result in a 30% drop in concentration. Also, a good level of hydration will keep your metabolism running efficiently therefore aiding in fat loss.
Manage You Stress
Being a business owner is stressful, I don't need to tell you that. Stress causes a release of cortisol which has a number of effects on the body, including;
Sleep disruption (causing further stress)
Weight gain, particularly to the face, chest and stomach (causing further stress)
High blood pressure (causing further stress)
Mood swings (causing further stress)
As you can see, it's a vicious circle that can be kept under control using simple relaxation practices, ensuring enough rest, and following the three steps above.
I you would like any further advice or guidance on yours or your employee's health and wellness, I would love to help.
