Spring is a glorious time of year, when green grass grows and flowers bloom. But, it’s also allergy season, when office workers are prone to an array of annoying allergy symptoms including itchy eyes, stuffy noses, and sneezing. It’s also possible for changes in seasonal temperatures to set the stage for early spring colds and flu. If you’re a business owner who wants to keep your team members as healthy as possible all through the spring season, be sure to put these sensible tips into action.
1. Offer Healthy Snacks and Drinks
Image via Flickr by YYZ Kid
Papaya, kiwi, and citrus fruits enhance immune system function thanks to their vitamin C content, according to Healthline, so be sure to offer them to your team members this spring. When you provide these natural treats, it’ll be easier for your staff members to cope with stressors, including allergies, which threaten their good health. Other smart options are grapes and blueberries, which contain compounds known as stilbenoids, which are believed to strengthen the immune system.
A fresh fruit platter will always be appealing to health-conscious workers and may even tempt employees who are used to snacking, but on unhealthy junk food items. If you want a trendier way to provide your team with fruit, consider blending it into smoothies. Fruit, low-fat dairy or nut milk, and Greek or dairy-free yogurt are healthy smoothie ingredients that are treasure troves of nutrition. If you choose frozen fruit over fresh, you won’t even need to put ice in the blender while preparing the smoothies.
2. Minimize Allergens in the Workplace
Allergens lurk in many places, including office environments, so minimizing your team’s exposure to these allergens should be a priority. There are some simple ways to remove many workplace allergens, including pollen, which is prevalent in springtime, and dust mite debris. One is to ensure that workplace carpets and flooring are cared for with a vacuum that includes a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filter. Another is to make sure that your office air conditioning system is filtering allergens as it should be. An aIr conditioning system will filter allergens effectively as long as it’s maintained regularly by an HVAC professional.
3. Plan Group Yoga and Meditation Sessions
Exercise and meditation have proven health benefits, so why not plan some in-office yoga and meditation sessions? Workers who do regular yoga may feel a lot better during office hours, because yoga eases chronic pain, improves sleep quality, and lowers blood pressure, according to the American Osteopathic Association. Meditation, which involves measured breathing and the repetition of a mantra (word, phrase, or sound), has the power to lower stress hormone levels in the human body.
All of these tips will help your staff to stay healthy this spring. As a bonus, these tips will also improve corporate culture. Providing healthy snacks and drinks, keeping a workplace as allergen-free as possible, and planning group yoga and meditation sessions will add appeal to your office and your company, while helping employees to feel their best.
