BY ELYN ZIMMERMAN<\/p>\n
The Google Drool.
\nThis is the reaction we may have upon learning
\nabout the employee perks at companies like
\nGoogle, Facebook and other big start up or tech
\ncompanies. Oh, we are flushed with envy when
\nhearing about such things as barista staffed coffee
\nbars, top level chef-provided fare at various campus
\nrestaurants, snack bars arranged to foster healthy
\nchoices, not to mention arcade game, bowling and
\nping pong rooms; midday yoga and fitness classes;
\nprovided showers with towels; lava lamp decor
\nand even the ability to bring one’s dog to work.<\/p>\n
Tucked behind the large and small amenities
\nthat these large and hip companies are able to
\nprovide is a strong employer commitment to all
\naspects of employee well being. Clearly, these
\nbusiness savvy entrepreneurs have recognized
\nthe value of having happy and healthy workers
\nand have taken time to figure out what promotes
\nsuch benefit.<\/p>\n
For those of us living outside the Google
\nuniverse, we may consider ourselves lucky just
\nto have a coffee maker, a vending machine and
\na water dispenser and are giddy when someone
\nbrings in a box of donuts to start the day. That’s
\nOK we say. We’ll trudge into work each day loaded
\ndown with our necessary sustenance carried in
\nvarious totes, or use our precious lunch breaks to
\nfrantically run out for a sandwich or slice of pizza.
\nWe’ll rush to the gym before or after work, if at
\nall. We’ll come to work sick because we don’t have
\nsufficient if any health care benefits or sick days.<\/p>\n
With the huge burden of health care costs
\nimpacting business we are struggling to find major
\nsolutions. In the meantime, here is a medley of
\nsome simple suggestions, that might spark your
\nown ideas.<\/p>\n
The Food Culture
\nInfluencing the food culture may include things
\nlike providing a station where not only coffee is
\navailable, but also a variety of teas, good quality
\nwater (perhaps an infused water dispenser), a
\nbowl of seasonal fruit or even a fruit or vegetable
\nplatter. Guidelines do exist for healthy vending
\nand healthy meetings. Instituting these can send
\na powerful message to employees and business
\npartners. Also, look into having your business be
\na dropoff site for a local Community Supported
\nAgriculture (CSA) program, where boxes of
\nlocal produce are delivered to participants on a
\nweekly basis.<\/p>\n
The Physical Environment
\nTake a walk around the physical space and
\nlook and listen. Watch for opportunities to make
\nit more soothing like having freshly painted walls,
\nnice artwork, and comfortable and clean flooring.
\nGood lighting, plants, and relaxing sounds may
\ngreatly help the internal environment. If it is an
\nindustrial or retail environment, see if you can
\ncreate a space or room to provide employees with
\na quiet area. Check to see if you can enhance any
\noutdoor areas where employees can take a walk, do
\nsome stretching, take breaks or even do their work.<\/p>\n
The Work Day
\nHere is where things can get really fun with
\nsome imagination and that can help elevate the
\nwork day to something a little more special for
\neveryone. Play around with ideas that can both
\nsubtly and profoundly promote well being such as
\ncreating a “quiet hour” where telephone use and
\ninterpersonal talking is limited. Or, implement
\n“movement time” where people are encouraged
\nto get up from their desks to walk or stretch.<\/p>\n
There can be “play time” as well. Offer in-house
\nchair massages. Many local massage schools have
\nstudents eager to practice their skills for free.<\/p>\n
Create a monthly wellness schedule bringing in
\nvarious wellness specialists for some mini-sessions.
\nThese specialists might then gladly provide
\nsome discounted pricing to your employees.<\/p>\n
Zimmerman, is the owner of Lifeseeds Lake.<\/em><\/p>\n Photo Courtesy Lifeseeds Nutritional Counseling<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Elyn Zimmerman, owner of Lifeseeds Nutritional Counseling. BY ELYN ZIMMERMAN The Google Drool. This is the reaction we may have upon learning about the employee perks at companies like Google, Facebook and other big start up or tech companies….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[58,71],"class_list":["post-17791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-business-reports","tag-business-reports","tag-fitness"],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\nNutritional Counseling (www.lifeseedsnutrition.com) with offices in Saratoga Springs and Round<\/p>\n