Many larger companies such as Google and Nike have installed on-site gyms to make it easier for employees to stay active (Barberio).
Image Source: Pixabay Companies such as Apple Inc. are working harder towards emphasizing ergonomic workstations such as standing desks to enhance posture and keep employees healthy and productive (Firgelli Automations).
Image Source: Firgelli Automations "Events such as health fairs and health risk assessment screenings help Draper employees get information, set goals, and track progress" (Fortune).
Image Source: Draper Inc. |
Workplace Health Promotion programs work to fight against the unfortunate physical effects of obesity and give employees a chance to improve their quality of life.
WHP programs give employees more than just access to amenities and benefits, they give them the key to a new life. Individuals who never thought they would be waking up before 7:00 am might find themselves getting out of bed at 5:30 am to make a quick stop at a hot-yoga class before heading into work. People who could never imagine themselves running a single mile are now running three a day. For some individuals, WHP programs could be their way of discovering new and exciting passions. Jen Wieczner assures that even the simplest nudges to get employees participating in activities can open up their attitude to more drastic lifestyle changes down the road. Additionally, when companies are more involved with their workers' health, they can better tailor their employee care to individual needs. As workers begin to recognize their company's care for them, their job satisfaction also goes up, increasing their overall happiness (Wieczner). These WHP programs do not rely on forceful ploys either. Behavioral Psychologists suggest that promoting wellness does not have to be explicit to have positive effects (Rossi). Companies can gain improvements in employee health from even the smallest nudges; nudges the employee might not even recognize. Companies can find great use in adjusting environmental factors to make healthy behaviors the default option. Replacing the unhealthy products in vending machines with healthier ones, designing a more accessible and aesthetically appealing staircase in the lobby, supplying employees stand-up desks: these changes have the potential to help employees make healthier decisions without drawing attention to the issue (Heinen and Darling). Acting in a non-confrontational way can spare employee embarrassment and avoid weight-based discrimination. Addressing healthy living in the workplace is a tricky matter, but with the proper implementation, WHP programs can have an amazing impact on the health of America's workforce. Ultimately, these programs can be the driving force in ending the public health crisis of obesity. |
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Heinen, Luann., and Darling, Helen. "Addressing Obesity in the Workplace: The Role of Employers." Milbank Quarterly, vol. 87, no. 1, Mar. 2009, pp. 101-122. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/j.1468-0009.2009.00549.x. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Rossi, Holly. "5 Hallmarks of Great Corporate Wellness Programs." Fortune Magazine, 13 Apr. 2015. Web. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Wieczner, Jen. “Your Company Wants to Make You Healthy.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, 8 Apr. 2013. Web. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Hymel, Pamela A., et al. "Workplace Health Protection and Promotion: A New Pathway for a Healthier-and Safer-Workforce." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 53, no. 6, June 2011, pp. 695 - 702. doi:10.1097/jom.0b013e31822005d0. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Davison, Kristl H. and Bing, Mark N. "Obesity: Disability or Public Health Crisis?" Industrial & Organizational Psychology, vol. 6, no. 1, Mar. 2013, pp. 96-99. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/iops.12016. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Firgelli Automations., "Business Insider: All Apple Employees Now Get Standing Desks — And Tim Cook Has Said He Believes 'Sitting Is The New Cancer'". Nov. 2018. Web. Accesses 17, May 2019. Accessed 16, May 2019
Rossi, Holly. "5 Hallmarks of Great Corporate Wellness Programs." Fortune Magazine, 13 Apr. 2015. Web. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Wieczner, Jen. “Your Company Wants to Make You Healthy.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, 8 Apr. 2013. Web. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Hymel, Pamela A., et al. "Workplace Health Protection and Promotion: A New Pathway for a Healthier-and Safer-Workforce." Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, vol. 53, no. 6, June 2011, pp. 695 - 702. doi:10.1097/jom.0b013e31822005d0. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Davison, Kristl H. and Bing, Mark N. "Obesity: Disability or Public Health Crisis?" Industrial & Organizational Psychology, vol. 6, no. 1, Mar. 2013, pp. 96-99. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1111/iops.12016. Accessed 16, May 2019.
Firgelli Automations., "Business Insider: All Apple Employees Now Get Standing Desks — And Tim Cook Has Said He Believes 'Sitting Is The New Cancer'". Nov. 2018. Web. Accesses 17, May 2019. Accessed 16, May 2019
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