We all know that everyone enjoys food. When we are happy, we eat our favorite foods. When we feel the other way around, we also eat foods to lessen the sadness. Eating helps us in one way or another. However, too much is not good as everything has its own limitations.
When you do not have proper control over your eating habits, it can probably lead to obesity. Obesity is a complex disease involving an excessive amount of body fat. It is really a concern as it is associated to negative mental health outcomes and poorer quality of life. Not only that, as an employee, it can greatly affect your work performance that is not desirable at all.
Obesity can impair an employee’s performance in a variety of ways, including:
· Absenteeism — Obese people tend to be more prone to illness and requires more rest or sick leave.
· Easily exhausted — It is more exhausting to constantly move around and think critically if you are not physically fit. This is also linked to poor work performance.
· Stress and anxiety — Obesity can have a negative impact on a person’s emotional and mental health because they are constantly confronted with health-related issues that cause them to feel stressed and anxious.
· Lowered self-esteem — Obese people, in reality, face judgment from others and are subjected to hurtful words. This leaves an influence on them which leads to lowered self-esteem or confidence.
What can an employer do to help his or her employees avoid obesity?
1. Have health and wellness campaigns
It is extremely beneficial to your employees if you have health and wellness campaigns run by people with adequate knowledge and expertise, or by professionals. Since everyone has different preferences, health and wellness campaigns can be carried out in a variety of ways. Others may prefer yoga over exercise, or vice versa. Some people may prefer other unique and enjoyable activities. Knowing what your employees like will influence how your health and wellness campaigns are conducted, so it is essential to select those who are well-known in the industry for it to be successful and effective.
2. Provide accessible gyms
Having an area allotted for a gym where employees can stretch out or exercise is also a way to address obesity. Since not all businesses are capable to establish one due to various reasons, they can instead seek partnership with a company that offers deals related with fitness studios. Obtaining or providing this kind of benefit to your employee has a positive effect or improvement on their health and work performance.
3. Have biometric screenings
Having regular biometric screenings even every month can give you and your employees an idea how their health is going. It can assist you to determine if your employee’s health scores are within normal ranges, or if they’re at risk of being diagnosed with chronic conditions. The screening results can be further utilized to evaluate their risk for other serious health conditions such as obesity. Since obesity is greatly connected to weight, body mass index readings can be included so that they will be able to track their weight and they can start to decide whether to reduce or gain weight.
4. Promote healthy diet and nutritious foods
Consuming healthy and nutritious foods plays a significant role in maintaining a well physically fit body. If you provide lunches and/or snacks to your employees, make sure to avoid giving them too much of unhealthy foods. Sweets, fatty foods, fried foods, junk foods, processed foods, and sugary foods or beverages all contribute greatly to weight gain. It is a great idea to provide balanced meal for lunches that includes a portion of meat, vegetables, and fruits and for snacks, breads or fruit cups can be an alternative. Allowing them to consume sugar is not harmful but do so in moderation. Remind employees to stay hydrated and to drink plenty of water.
5. Give them constant encouragement
It is also advantageous for them when they have someone to remind and encourage them to look over their health. Encouraging them to workout, have adequate amount of sleep, eat nutritious foods, and to take care of their mental and physical health can be extremely beneficial. You can do this by communicating with them verbally, posting signage or posters, or announcing it. Do not forget to encourage them that they can overcome their own health issues.
Eating is enjoyable only until you have to deal with the consequences. It is better to prevent obesity than to cure it. Prioritize your health over anything else.
