1. Ban Smoking
Smoking and secondhand smoke are harmful to everyone in the workplace, so make your place of business a no-smoking zone. If there's not already a no-smoking rule where you work, talk to your human resources department to find out how to get a rule in place. Start a petition with other coworkers to keep cigarette smoke out of your workplace. Designate certain outside areas for smokers to take smoke breaks and make sure these areas won't interfere with the work or break time of nonsmokers.
2. Choose Healthy Lunches
Request healthy lunch choices instead of fast food if you work in a building equipped with an employee cafeteria. Many large companies sell the standard burgers and fries in their cafeterias; ask for fresh fruit, healthy sandwiches and salads. Make sure there are vegetarian, low-sugar and low-cholesterol options available for coworkers that have special dietary needs. If your workplace has vending machines instead of a cafeteria, request healthy snacks such as unsalted nuts, trail mix and water.
3. Organize Office Outings
Set up group outings with your coworkers to improve health for everyone. Go on a hike through a local park, train together to run a race for charity or join a gym together to attend on your lunch breaks. Attend informational seminars led by nutritionists and dietitians together so that you can all learn how to live healthy and be well. Take turns coming up with workplace outings so everyone gets a chance to share their ideas for improving workplace wellness, and try to participate in at least one group activity a week.
4. Become Team Players
Get a group of coworkers together and join a local sports league. Find softball, basketball or bowling leagues in the area and join as a team with your fellow employees. Arrange practices once or twice a week. Invite employees who don't have time to join the league to attend practices when possible so that they can exercise and interact with coworkers. Organizing a team and competing with coworkers will help you all get in shape and let you get to know each other better.
5. Reduce Stress
Reducing the stress level in your office can improve the wellness of you and your coworkers. Establish set break times when everyone can leave their desks and take a minute to stretch and breathe. Encourage a stress-free environment in the office by playing soothing music and keeping loud or confrontational conversations in the meeting room instead of out on the office floor. Organize a seminar with a wellness coach to help you and your coworkers reduce stress in your individual lives.
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