How to help employees stay healthy and happy during the cold weather

Each winter, organizations are challenged to keep their employees healthy. The holidays have come and gone, leaving the snow, freezing temperatures, short days and long commutes, not to mention cold and flu season. Often, healthy habits are left out in the cold.
“During the winter months, it’s common for employees to neglect their workout routines and eat foods they normally avoid,” says Veronica Hawkins, Medical Mutual Vice President, Government Accounts. “Obviously, those changes in habit can affect an organization’s productivity. That’s why it is especially important to encourage employees to stay healthy this time of year.”
Smart Business spoke with Hawkins about how organizations can help their employees avoid getting sick, stay positive throughout the workday and maintain their activity levels — regardless of what the weather is like outside.
What are some good habits to promote during flu season?
At this time of year, one of the biggest challenges to organizations is their workforce catching the flu. The best way to prevent that is to encourage employees to get their annual flu shots, which can protect them from the three most common strains of the virus.
If employees do get sick, the virus can spread quickly. Employees should be advised to keep their distance from co-workers if they start showing any symptoms. When possible, managers should also allow employees to stay home and rest — especially if they have a fever. They will recover faster and other employees will be less likely to get sick.
It’s also important to encourage good hygiene. Employees should wash their hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Simply using a tissue when coughing or sneezing will significantly reduce the spread of germs in the workplace.
How can organizations help employees stay active in the winter?
It’s easy for people to become sedentary when the cold weather keeps them indoors. Studies show that employees who exercise on a regular basis have better job performance and lower absenteeism. That’s why it’s important for organizations to encourage their employees not to let the weather derail their exercise routines.
Fitness classes, walking groups and friendly workplace competitions can help organizations incentivize their employees to stay active. Of course, most worksites don’t have a fitness center on-site or space for an exercise program, so many organizations will partner with a local fitness facility to make it easier to help their employees stay physically active.
When employees sit at their desk all day, their muscles can get stiff and cramped. They might even develop back pain. Especially in the winter, it’s important to encourage employees to get away from their desks to stretch their muscles. If you can help your employees avoid physical discomfort, they can stay active — and more productive — during the work day.
What about seasonal depression? Is it a real concern?
It certainly can be, especially for organizations that have night shifts or varying work schedules. It might just be ‘winter blues’ for some, but many people experience actual depression during the winter months. It can be a serious problem for many organizations, considering the symptoms — increased appetite, weight gain, sleep loss, decreased energy and an overall lack of motivation and concentration.
There are plenty of ways organizations can help their employees overcome the winter blues. Sunlight can do wonders to help improve mood and energy levels.
Try to bring natural daylight into work areas and encourage employees to go outside during their lunch and breaks.

Of course, it’s always important to provide employees with avenues to find additional help if they need it. That could be through setting up at-work educational sessions or providing access to trained professionals.

Insights Health Care is brought to you by Medical Mutual