Let’s be real—healthy employees make a manager’s life a whole lot easier. When people feel good, they work better, complain less, and call in sick way less often. In 2024, keeping your team healthy isn’t just about gym memberships or fruit baskets—it’s about creating a workplace that doesn’t drain the life out of them.
From standing desks to work-life balance, there’s a lot managers can do. And the best part? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Ready to help your team thrive? Let’s dive in.
Why Employee Health Matters More Than Ever in 2024
The modern workplace has evolved into something straight out of a sci-fi movie. Hybrid schedules, remote work, and virtual happy hours are the new normal. It sounds cool, but it’s not always great for staying healthy.
People are glued to screens, skipping breaks, and juggling more stress than ever. Managers who prioritise health are basically the heroes of the workplace. They swoop in, support their teams, and make work a place where people actually want to be.
Practical Tips to Support Employee Health
Encourage Movement with Standing Desks and Active Breaks
Sitting all day is the villain here. It drains energy and turns even the most motivated employees into desk zombies. Standing desks? Everyone needs them—keeping everyone moving and alert.
Pair them with active breaks like a quick stretch or a walk to the coffee machine, and you’ve got yourself a supercharged team. Bonus points if you join in and show everyone that yes, you can email and stretch like a yoga pro.
Prioritise Mental Health and Stress Management
Let’s get one thing straight: ignoring stress doesn’t make it disappear. Managers can be game-changers by normalising mental health conversations. Think therapy resources, guided meditation apps, or even just a chill “no Slack after 6 PM” rule. Celebrate small wins, check in regularly, and, most importantly, don’t let your team feel like they’re auditioning for Survivor: Office Edition.
Promote Healthy Eating Habits at Work
The break room doesn’t have to look like a snack aisle exploded. Swap out the junk for better options like fruit, nuts, or even protein bars that don’t taste like cardboard. Organise fun events like a healthy lunch potluck or bring in a smoothie bar for the day. It’s not about turning everyone into kale enthusiasts—just giving them options that don’t leave them in a sugar coma.
Ensure Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Workaholics aren’t heroes; they’re burnouts waiting to happen. Flexibility is the secret sauce for keeping everyone sane. Let your team adjust their schedules when needed or work remotely if it makes sense. You’re not running a bootcamp—encourage people to log off and recharge. It’s like the wise words of Ron Swanson: “Don’t half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.”
Quick Tips Office Managers Can Implement Today
- Bring in standing desks or ergonomic chairs.
- Start a wellness challenge, like tracking steps or water intake.
- Host stress-busting sessions like yoga or mindfulness workshops.
- Lead by example: take breaks and avoid sending emails at midnight.
- Create a judgement-free zone for discussing wellness needs.
Final Thoughts
Being a manager isn’t just about deadlines and performance reviews—it’s about making work a place where people feel their best. In 2024, focusing on employee health is a no-brainer. Whether it’s adding standing desks, supporting mental health, or encouraging a better work-life balance, small actions can lead to big results.
When your team feels good, they work better, stay longer, and might even bring you snacks. So, go ahead—be the kind of manager people rave about on LinkedIn.