ownersare helping their employees achieve their health goals of losing weight, stopping smoking and exercising more frequently. They are discovering that making wellness a priority in the workplace boosts their bottom line, according to the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE). Wellness programs may not only help cut medical and disability costs, they can reduce absenteeism, increase mental clarity and promote a greater sense of well-being among workers. Business owners who wish to increase wellness for themselves or their employees can consider these tips: * Create a smoke-free environment. Besides the health issues of smoking, some people are allergic to smoke. You can assist your employees to quit smoking by instituting incentive programs. Designate smoking areas outside that are at least 15 feet from any entryways. If you own a restaurant that includes a smoking section, consider buying equipment that effectively filters smoke. Build in breaks. Make sure employees periodically take a breather, especially on hectic days. Conduct walking meetings so everybody gets a stress buster. Even small doses of exercise help dissipate stress hormones. * Don’t let stress cause sickness. When under strain, good health habits tend to slide. It’s a good idea to have nutritious snacks and drinksavailable at your workplace. Encourage your employees to develop a sleep schedule. aS @ More business owners are help- ing employees shape up their health. Clean often. Schedule regular cleanings of the workplace—or, if you're home based, your home’s ventilation system—whichcan cut down on allergies and illness. Over time, dust and allergen particles build up in air filters. By changingthe filters on a routine basis, you rid your business of undesirable particles that can trigger sneezing or coughing. Keep a steady supply of water on hand. Consider keeping a water cooler or bottled water in a common area of the office. Water strengthens the immune system by cleansing the body of viruses and bacteria, leading to fewer missed workdays. You can visit the NASE’s Health Resource Center at http://health.nase.org/ for more tips, as well as the latest health news.
