Simple solutions for workplace resolutions
The formula for success for personal and workplace resolutions is the same.
Wanting to make your workplace healthier for employees this year? Look no further than your new year’s resolution.
At first glance these things may have nothing in common. But our advice for starting Total Worker Health practices in the workplace looks surprisingly similar to tips for achieving personal goals.
“Setting and reaching goals, whether for yourself or your employees, can seem daunting, but by starting small and learning from success and failure, it’s more doable than people may think,” says Liz Hill, Total Worker Health adviser at SAIF.
Consider applying these tips for promoting health at work and keeping your resolution.
Start small.
After you’ve identified the issue, set a realistic and measurable goal.
The same goes for Total Worker Health. “People get the feeling they need to do a lot when it comes to creating a Total Worker Health program, but getting started doesn’t have to be formal or expensive,” Hill says.
Resolution example:
If your goal is to lose 60 pounds by the end of the year, start by losing two or three pounds a month. You might be surprised how you gain momentum.
Healthy workplace example:
If you want employees to sit less throughout the day, encourage walking meetings or build physical activity breaks into the schedule.
Get support.
It’s important to include others in your goal, whether it’s for yourself or an entire office staff.
Hill says the key to creating a healthier workplace is engaging employees from the start, whether it’s through a survey or just water cooler conversation. “You’ll get more buy-in on whatever you decide to do, and people will feel like their opinion matters.”
Resolution example:
Want to run a marathon? Join a weekly running group. It may help with accountability and you can build relationships along the way.
Healthy workplace example:
Would you like to create a culture of health? Ask employees what challenges stand in their way for better safety, health, and work-life balance. And then ask them to help develop feasible, low-cost solutions.
Learn from missteps
Remember that if you don’t reach a milestone or complete a small goal in your resolution or health program, it’s not failure. Think of it as an opportunity to learn or do something differently.
“If something isn’t working as expected, don’t give up. Get feedback, re-evaluate, and keep going,” Hill says.
Resolution example:
Did you miss your bedtime for a couple hours every day this week? Your resolution to get more sleep is not ruined. Get back on track next week.
Healthy workplace example:
Having trouble resolving that one safety hazard? Check in and see if there are unexpected barriers and fix those first.
Celebrate successes.
While it’s important to address things that don’t go according to plan, it is arguably more important to celebrate when they do.
“Celebrations are a great time to reflect on progress and what went right. This could be just the boost needed to keep going,” Hill says.
Resolution example:
If your resolution is to quit smoking, reward yourself for every month you go without a cigarette.
Healthy workplace example:
Did survey results indicate that your health initiatives are working? Hold a healthy office potluck to celebrate.
For more information and tips Total Worker Health, visit saif.com/twh.