One of the joys lost with working from home was sharing celebrations with colleagues, and what better way to celebrate than with cake! Receiving congratulatory emails when working from home is soulless in comparison.
So, it is no surprise that The West Australian’s comments on people bringing cake to work being as harmful as passive smoking received such a backlash.
Five ways to promote a healthy workplace without banning cake
Employees are responsible for their choices about eating, not the employer – so let them eat cake! There are far less intrusive ways in which you can promote healthy lifestyles, which can lead to a happier, more resilient workforce and better productivity.
Here are some of our top ideas.
- The complimentary fruit bowl
Providing free fruit for your team is a kind-spirited and well-intentioned way in which to promote more healthy snacking. It will not break the bank for you and will help some people make healthier choices for themselves, without imposing anything on them. You can adjust quantities based on consumption.
- A discounted or free gym membership
Gym membership is a desirable employee benefit, as there is something for everyone: from gentle trainer-led classes to intense cardiovascular and weight-lifting regimes. Paying personally is a drain on anyone’s monthly outgoings, so help with the cost can be a valuable tool for recruitment and retention.
Many gyms will be open to a conversation about how to structure a deal, from simply offering a discounted corporate membership which sees employees pay a reduced rate themselves, to something which you fund at preferential rates in a deal struck with the gym.
- Encourage cycling to work
Two thirds of Australians are not getting enough exercise, and climate change is accelerating due to the use of transport. By cycling to work, employees can get their recommended daily exercise, save up to $15,000 on fuel, parking, and car repairs, and help limit climate change.
Employers are encouraged to provide bike facilities for employees to encourage this cycling to work scheme.
- Medical Benefits
Medical-related employee benefits are highly desirable due to the current medical climate of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Employees get the convenience and quick access to experts; and for you, too, you can get ill staff back off sickness absence sooner, as well as the more general recruitment and retention boom.
There is a misconception that medical benefits have to be expensive. Sure, full private medical insurance is not cheap (although it will be a good solution for many businesses), but there are other products which do not come with the hefty price tag.
- Mental health initiatives
In 2023, let’s not forget mental health either. Globally, an estimated 12 billion working days are lost every year to depression and anxiety, which can cost businesses a fortune.
Training up a mental health first aider in your business is a good first line of defence. A cost-effective Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which includes free counselling for struggling employees will be advisable for almost every business.
Need help choosing the right benefits?
SME employers have enough on their plates without having to get involved in whether their employees eat cake. But health-related employee benefits are a worthwhile way of making a positive impact on their team’s health and the productivity of the business.
We can advise on tailored packages for any budget, so if of interest please contact your local HR Dept office.