When it comes to maintaining a happy and productive workforce, employers in the Philippines have to deal with many challenges compared to businesses in more developed countries. Lower average individual pay and insufficient transportation infrastructure burden each employee with stress, leading to unhealthy lifestyle choices. Poor health, in turn, creates demotivated and unproductive workers. Thankfully, as an employer, here are some things you can do to help address the issue.
Green spaces
Several studies have linked individual well-being with the benefits of increased natural elements in our everyday lives. Some buildings have used landscaping and design to surround their offices with outdoor views of trees and ample sunshine; however, many workplaces, particularly in the capital, are still mired in the urban jungle.
If you can’t control the layout or surroundings of your office building, you can still bring nature into your workplace. Maximize daylight through the windows as much as possible, and bring indoor plants to liven up the place. If you’re working within a tight space, which is common in the Philippines, an artificial green wall can be installed vertically as a perfect no-maintenance solution.
Healthy food
Proper nutrition plays a vital part in the well-being of your employees. However, many office workers will tend to eat their meals somewhere, that’s both nearby and affordable. This can be a significant concern – if you look around, most office buildings will have fast food, street food, or convenience store options that offer unhealthy food choices.
If you help bring in a food concessionaire offering reasonably-priced, healthy meals, this can improve nutrition among your employees. Alternatively, encourage more of your workers to bring home-cooked meals and give them information on balanced nutrition. An office pantry with a refrigerator and microwave provides them with storage and a way to heat their prepared food during breaks.
Flexible work and rest
Allowing employees to work remotely or telecommute is a global trend that’s increasing in popularity across industries. It allows workers to skip the hassle of their daily commute, and reinvest that time into their work and personal needs. This arrangement also gives people more quality rest, which leads to a happier, more energetic workforce.
Filipino workers are no exception, and if your office is based in the capital, many of your employees will be thankful for the chance to work from home. You’ll need to make sure a good support structure is in place, though. Identify which positions and tasks can be accomplished at home, full- or part-time, and know which employees are self-motivated enough to yield increased productivity with this flexible arrangement.
Fitness initiatives
Company events and freebies are a common way for employers to give back to their people. But before you plan the next company incentives or giveaways, consider how your resources might otherwise be better invested into a fitness initiative that will make a difference among your employees.
If you have floor space, clear out an area or a storage room where some basic equipment, such as a treadmill, can be installed. Giving out free memberships or discounts at a local gym or yoga studio – especially if their facilities are also in the same building – will make it easier for your workers to get into a regular fitness routine.
These are just a few of how you can exert a positive influence over the well-being of your employees. Keep on improving in this regard and watch the morale and productivity of your workforce steadily go up.
