# How to Increase Workplace Health in January
January brings fresh resolutions and renewed focus on wellness, making it the perfect time to prioritize employee health in your workplace. The benefits extend far beyond feel-good initiatives—healthier employees mean lower insurance costs, increased productivity, and fewer sick days throughout the year.
Winter months can present unique challenges for maintaining workplace wellness, especially when working within budget constraints. However, strategic design choices and thoughtful programming can create lasting improvements without breaking the bank.
## Rethink Team Events and Activities
When planning department gatherings or team-building events, consider swapping traditional dinner meetings for active alternatives. Bowling, indoor rock climbing, or even walking meetings can boost both physical activity and team morale. These activities often cost the same as restaurant gatherings while encouraging movement and creating more memorable experiences.
The key is choosing activities that feel inclusive rather than intimidating. Not everyone needs to be an athlete—the goal is simply getting people moving and connecting in new ways.
## Transform Your Break Room Into a Wellness Hub
Small changes to your break room setup can influence daily habits without forcing dramatic shifts. Rather than removing popular items (which often creates resentment), focus on adding healthier options alongside existing choices.
**Coffee Station Upgrades:** - Provide alternative creamers like oat milk or coconut milk - Stock natural sweeteners alongside traditional sugar - Offer cinnamon and other spices for flavor without added calories
**Seasonal Considerations:** During winter months, apply the same principle to hot chocolate stations. Offering sugar-free cocoa options or adding protein powder can transform a simple warm-up into a more nutritious choice.
The beauty of this approach lies in its subtlety—employees who simply grab whatever's convenient will naturally start making healthier choices over time.
## Bring Services On-Site
One of the most significant workplace wellness trends involves bringing health services directly to employees. This convenience factor removes common barriers like scheduling conflicts and transportation issues.
**Popular On-Site Services:** - Annual flu shots or health screenings - Chair massages during high-stress periods - Yoga or meditation sessions - Eye exams or ergonomic assessments
Many third-party providers now specialize in workplace visits, often at competitive rates. The key is finding the right balance—offer valuable services without overwhelming employees with constant health-related communications.
## Design Considerations for Workplace Wellness
As commercial design professionals, we can support these wellness initiatives through thoughtful space planning:
**Movement-Friendly Layouts:** - Create clear pathways that encourage walking between departments - Design collaboration spaces that require some movement to access - Consider standing meeting areas for short discussions
**Natural Light and Air Quality:** - Maximize daylight exposure, especially during winter months - Ensure proper ventilation systems to reduce illness transmission - Incorporate plants that improve air quality while adding visual appeal
**Flexible Wellness Spaces:** - Design multipurpose areas that can accommodate on-site health services - Create quiet zones for meditation or brief mental health breaks - Plan break rooms with enough space for healthy food preparation and storage
## Building Sustainable Wellness Culture
The most effective workplace health initiatives focus on incremental, sustainable changes rather than dramatic overhauls. Employees respond better to gradual improvements they can easily adopt rather than sweeping mandates that feel disruptive.
Start with one or two initiatives this January, then build momentum throughout the year. Track simple metrics like participation rates or employee feedback to gauge success and identify areas for expansion.
## Making It Work for Your Space
Every workplace is different, and wellness initiatives should reflect your specific employee needs and physical constraints. A tech startup might prioritize ergonomic workstations and stress-relief spaces, while a manufacturing facility might focus on safety improvements and physical activity options.
The key is understanding your employees' daily challenges and designing solutions that genuinely improve their work experience. When wellness feels integrated rather than imposed, everyone benefits—employees feel valued, and businesses see measurable returns on their investment.
This January, consider how your workplace design and programming can support long-term employee health. Small, thoughtful changes often create the biggest impact on daily well-being and overall company culture.
