The increasingly high cost of insuring employees and their families has pushed many employers to take different approaches and use incentives to encourage employees to live healthier lifestyles.

The following are a few methods you can use to encourage your employees to live more healthfully:

Pay or share the cost of gym memberships—This method usually works best when you have a small number of employees and limited space in your facility. Other companies have taken efforts to the next level by providing a gym on-site and offering enough schedule flexibility so employees and their families can take advantage of the facilities.

Offer fitness classes during the work day—Invite instructors from local colleges, universities or fitness centers to showcase classes on aerobics, yoga, relaxation or other types of exercise.

Provide healthy foods in the break room—Encourage employees to eat more healthfully by stocking the break room with fruits, vegetables and healthy snacks rather than junk food. This will help employees develop better eating habits.

Allow break time—In the spring and fall, allow for two 15-minute breaks per day for your employees to take a walk.

Supply information—Call your local health department to get free information about healthy lifestyles and distribute that information in your workplace. 

Hold an annual or semiannual health fair—This is another opportunity to partner with your local health department and other institutions that can provide presenters and information. It might be wise to choose a non work day to do this. Make a point to invite employees’ families to join. This is also a great time to have your insurance provider come and teach ways employees can better utilize their insurance benefits. 

Offer incentives—Furnish financial incentives to your employees who participate in exercise programs. Don’t limit these incentives to your employees but also open them up to their families. Statistics show childhood obesity is still a serious issue, and investing in your employees in this way could be a positive way to combat that problem.

In following these steps, not only are you actively saving money by having healthier employees, but you are also enabling them to be more productive. They will appreciate your commitment to their health and well-being. Investing in healthy employees always pays off in the end.

Let Zions Bank’s Business Resource Center assist you with your business needs. Call us for a free appointment at 801-594-8245. We are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beth Holbrook can be reached at beth.holbrook@zionsbank.com.