Healthy employees benefit employers by being more sustainably employable, productive and less likely to take sick leave. As people spend a significant amount of time at work, the workplace is an ideal setting to focus on a healthy lifestyle. While many organisations are already taking action, efforts often centre on activities targeting the individual employees, such as the provision of information, through for instance a workshop or course. An integrated approach additionally takes into account factors such as the physical workplace, social support from colleagues or supervisors and organisational policies.

Active management involvement

Smit’s evaluation of four Dutch organisations revealed that implementing an integrated approach involving various activities takes considerable time, with most organisations only introducing minimal or one-off initiatives. Examples include replacing sugary drinks with still or sparkling water or promoting sports workshops organised by internal ambassadors. Greater support from management can help establish more frequent and long-term activities. Achieving this will require additional time, attention, budget and vitality-focused policies.

Visible working group

Another key insight from Smit’s evaluation is the importance of forming a multidisciplinary working group, including HR hazard ratio (hazard ratio ) representatives, employees and managers. Identifying the needs and possibilities of all employees is essential. Additionally, the working group must be visible, thus ensuring that employees know where to go with questions or ideas. This visibility can help introduce appropriate activities and encourage participation in them.