How to Support Your Employees' Health this Winter

As the nights draw in and the temperature drops markedly, it's clear that winter is here. For businesses, this is a challenging time of the year, particularly when you consider the fact that staff absence rates roughly double during this period. When you've got a rush on at what may be your busiest season, the last thing you need is a reduced headcount.

The good news is that corporate wellness programs can address the problem, which we'll be looking at in a short while. Firstly though, we'll be covering some of the things you can do to reduce the spread of common winter illnesses and ensure everyone stays healthy.

Actively Prevent the Spread of Flu

Now that lockdowns and social distancing are firmly in the rearview mirror, employees are once again vulnerable to picking up common winter sicknesses. Something that surges in winter is influenza (a.k.a. The dreaded flu), and it can be controlled by following some of the measures introduced during the pandemic, like regular cleaning of communal areas.

Flu jabs are also provided by the NHS free of charge for the over 50s and can be very effective in reducing the spread. By couraging your workforce to take the jab and perhaps making it easier for them to get it (by providing time off), you can stop the spread in your workplace. Flexible home working might be another option for those experiencing flu symptoms.

Offer Education on Nutrition

The best wellness programs will also offer education about nutrition, which can be key in helping your staff stay well during the winter months. The food you eat can certainly affect your overall health, which is why also offering nutrition support to your employees can serve to reduce sick days and keep everyone productive.

At present, your team may not be fully aware that:

• Vitamin D (present in mushrooms, eggs & fatty fish) is key to good mood and brain function, and your diet can replace what you don't get from the sun in winter.

• Vitamin C (present in citrus fruit, tomatoes & white potatoes) boosts your immune system, making you less susceptible to colds & flu.

• Iron (present in red meat, beans & nuts) helps your body create haemoglobin, which serves to keep you warm against the cold.

This kind of information can be learned via corporate wellness nutrition workshops, providing clarity for those who need it on how to use diet to their advantage and stay healthy.

Encourage Employees to Be Active

According to the NHS, people need 150 minutes of mild/moderate exercise to stay healthy, however, modern people often need more free time to get it done. By providing the time and framework for staff to get their exercise in during work time, you guarantee that they get to enjoy all the health benefits that come along with it.

What we're talking about here is a service that appeals to everyone because only some staff are going to be suited to high-impact classes. As such, good corporate wellness programs will typically offer…

• High-impact exercise classes like HIIT training, boxing & trampolining

• Breathwork and tapping classes

• Bodyweight bootcamps & cardio options

• Pre/postnatal classes for new & expectant Mums

• Flexibility classes, e.g. yoga, barre & pilates

• Meditation sessions

• Nutrition workshops (as mentioned above)

It's all about encouraging people (and educating) to stay active, as they'll naturally have a stronger immune system. Regular exercise is beneficial in so many ways, and these classes can be enjoyed outdoors or online, so inclement weather doesn't have to get in the way.

BUA FIT - Helping People Stay Active Across London

As we can see, there's much you can do to tackle employee sickness during the winter months. What's more, it's never been easier to engage in bespoke corporate wellness programs  that can help your workforce develop a strong immune system that keeps them happy and productive.

At BUA FIT, our programs are tailored to your precise needs, with both contracted and pay-as-you-go services available. Whether talking about online Zumba classes, outdoor Pilates at iconic London locations or even a nutrition workshop, our team has you covered.

So, if you'd like to know more about how we can help you, come and have a chat with one of our experts, who'll tell you everything you need to know.

As ever, stay fit, happy, and healthy.