Everyone has personal problems now and again, and it's only human that some of these emotions find their way into the workplace. (Photo: Shutterstock)

We spend most of our time at work, so it should come as no surprise to find that what goes on in the workplace can play a key role in contributing to employee health. Are your staff sitting down all day, working with computers? Are they making healthy lifestyle choices in terms of diet and exercise? Are you noticing issues with overwork and stress, low productivity, lack of motivation and disengagement?

Whether there are problems with mental or physical health, it's not just for the individual team member to take action; unhealthy staff can affect (and infect!) entire organisations. Having a happy, healthy workforce, firing on all cylinders, should be the ambition of every business. It improves productivity, sharpens your competitive edge and increases sales. It reduces costs associated with absenteeism, sick leave and staff retention. Convinced yet?

Related: Why your office is beginning to look like a forest

The daily working environment is one of the most important factors influencing your employees' levels of happiness and motivation in their jobs, which is why promoting a healthy workplace is as much in your interest as it is in theirs.

What is a healthy workplace? Broadly speaking, a workplace environment that supports the health and well-being of those within it should have four main constituents.

1. The physical environment

Commercial premises come in many shapes and sizes – from offices to hospitals, warehouses to factories and much more besides. There exists, of course, a robust body of occupational health and safety legislation designed to protect your employees that you will already be complying with. But a healthy workplace is more than ensuring there are no trailing cables to trip over or cracked ceilings overhead. Good levels of lighting, comfortable furniture, a pleasant décor and extra amenities can all contribute to enhanced levels of staff health and happiness.

2. Workplace culture

Every company has their own corporate culture, whether or not they are aware of it. It's what determines the values your business upholds and the standards that everyone–employers and employees–should follow. In places where the importance of a positive workplace culture is recognized, implemented and purposefully maintained, the work environment is healthier. Staff who feel listened to, valued and invested in have no need to be upset or unhappy. With a great company culture, you can keep team productivity levels high and retain and develop the best talent.

3. A supportive environment

Everyone has personal problems now and again, and it's only human that some of these emotions find their way into the workplace. Whether it's difficulties at home or a recent bereavement, suffering from depression or just having a bad day, these issues can't simply be 'left at home' and shouldn't be ignored by colleagues and managers. Show compassion, perhaps by having an open door policy, so your staff know that you don't just care about the progress of the business but also about your employees' well being. A supportive workplace culture is the foundation of a healthy work environment.

4. Healthy lifestyle choices

Your team members will be substantially more engaged with their place of work if they feel that their employer is interested in their overall well-being. And as your organisation's best assets, isn't it worth putting an effort into employee wellness, not just because it's a nice thing to do but because it encourages better teamwork, higher productivity and lower sickness absence? With a 'captive audience' for 40 hours a week, the workplace is surely the perfect environment to develop and maintain healthier lifestyle practices and discourage any unhealthy habits your staff may have.

How to create a healthier environment

People who enjoy their work are more likely to engage positively with their job. As an employer, it is in your best interest to keep your staff happy, so that resentment doesn't get a chance to build, impacting the quality of work produced, and ultimately the loss of the team member. Creating a healthier workplace environment shouldn't be difficult, and it doesn't have to cost a lot. There are countless ways you can make a real difference that your team will appreciate; here are just a few ideas to consider.

Office comfort

Working in clean and comfortable surroundings can really lift the mood and improve interactions among colleagues. Good lighting and well considered furniture and furnishings are the keystones of good workplaces. Among office spaces where British workers spend up to 9 hours a day sitting, the importance of investing in ergonomic chairs or standing desks to maintain good posture should not be underestimated.

Break times

According to Public Health England, a minimum of 30 minutes' exercise per day is a great way to improve the general health of employees. Encourage your staff to take regular 5-minute breaks away from the desk to help relieve muscle strain and eye fatigue and restore concentration levels. Why not take standing or walking meetings, or introduce apps as reminders to get people moving?

Wellness initiatives

You can encourage your staff to keep healthy by introducing initiatives such as lunchtime yoga sessions, football after work, subsidized gym memberships, cycle-to-work schemes, or even something as simple as taking the stairs rather than the lift. In addition to the benefits derived from movement and exercise, it also gives your employees the chance to get to know each other better, helping your team to bond.

Team building

Speaking of team bonding, anything you can do to improve internal communications and bring your team closer together is an excellent step towards creating and maintaining a positive workplace environment. From Friday evening drinks to monthly bowling outings, celebrating team achievements or going away for the day, there are lots of activities and initiatives that will have a morale boosting and bonding effect.

Healthy eating

A good diet is not about depriving yourself of the foods you love. It's about nourishing your body so that you feel good and have more energy to make the most out of each day. Help your workforce to steer clear of processed junk foods and sugary sweets by introducing healthy eating habits at work. A freely available bowl of fruit is a good start, as are catering options that include salads, smoothies and wholemeal foods.

Dakota Murphey has a wealth of experience in business management, with over 10 years of experience she's worked on a number of successful campaigns. She now enjoys sharing her knowledge through her writing and connecting with like-minded professionals.

Read more: 

• How employers can promote employee wellness
• 10 unusual approaches to improving employee well-being
• The need to redefine employee well-being for the new generation