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When it comes to choosing a job, we often focus on factors like salary, benefits, and career growth, but there is something else you really need to consider as well; how your employer can benefit your health. A positive, supportive work environment can make a huge difference in your overall wellbeing and happiness, so read on to find out more about what to look for if you’re changing jobs and you want to find an employer that will actually benefit your health.
Company Culture And Values
The first step in choosing a health-conscious and positive employer is to research their company culture and values before you apply for a job. Look for those businesses that make employee wellbeing a priority by offering a good work-life balance, for example. To do this, read the job ad very carefully, as it might be mentioned there (and a good employer who knows that this is important will certainly talk about it), but also check out what other people, specifically former employees, have to say. You should be able to find online reviews to help you. Positive things to look for include offering safety critical medicals and flexible working, for example.
A positive company culture is one that promotes a supportive and collaborative environment where employees feel valued and are even encouraged to have as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Is there a good sense of community in the business, and is there open communication? These are all things that will be hugely beneficial in terms of your health and would make applying for a role with that company a good thing to do.
Health And Wellness Programmes
A good employer understands the importance of physical and mental health and wellbeing, and will invest in health and wellness programmes for their employees to make the most of. When you have these in place, it’s important to use them – that’s what they’re there for, and they’ll help you feel much more positive as well as being healthier and happier, so there really is no downside.
Look for employers who provide a range of different ideas for staff wellness. This might include free or discounted gym membership, wellness challenges, yoga and meditation in the office (or online before work if you work remotely), and free or cheap healthy food. When a business offers its staff these things, it shows that it’s committed to supporting and promoting a healthy lifestyle for its team.
On top of this, a good employer will think about mental health as well, so they might be employee assistance programmes (EAPs) in place where you can get therapy or counselling, for example, and that will help you manage stress better. There might even be wellness retreats and specific classes about nutrition and stress management. As long as there is something in place that shows the business takes care of its employees, that’s a good thing.
Work-Life Balance
We mentioned the work-life balance earlier, and it’s an important point, so let’s go into it in more detail. When you’re able to have a good work-life balance, it’s great for your overall health and wellbeing and makes you much happier. This is why it’s so vital to look for employers who prioritise this and offer policies that allow it to happen more easily.
One idea is to have flexible work arrangements. This might be remote work, hybrid options (where you can choose to work from home or from an office, or you work from an office a set number of days a week), compressed work weeks (which gives you more time off), or flexible hours such as late starts and early finishes. When you can enjoy these flexible ideas, you’ll be able to have a much better work-life balance because you can essentially make your career work around your other commitments rather than the other way around. You’ll never have to delay a doctor’s appointment or miss a child’s school play again. You can see how this would make you happier and healthier.
You can also look at what the company’s policies are when it comes to workloads and stress. A good employer will know the importance of setting realistic expectations and deadlines and in giving everyone the right resources to help them do their jobs; this could be tools, software, or training. This all leads to an environment where employees feel completely at ease with doing their work, making it easier for them to have a good work-life balance.
