Reduced sick leave. Increased productivity. Enhanced customer service. Better business outcomes.
Do these goals resonate with your business? Then keep reading. Our HOSPO Health Wellbeing Framework is designed to help you achieve these benefits through simple actions.
In the June/July* edition of Hospitality Review magazine, we provided an overview of our Wellbeing Framework, covering the five key areas of wellbeing for both you and your team. Today we’re diving deeper into PHYSICAL WELLBEING.
You might be wondering: Isn’t physical wellbeing the same as work health and safety? While they are related, they aren’t identical.
- As a hospitality business owner or manager, you’re likely familiar with compliance requirements like work health and safety plans, training, standard operating procedures, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Physical wellbeing, however, focuses on an individual’s “ability to maintain a healthy quality of life that enables them to engage fully in daily activities without excessive fatigue or physical stress” (Australian National University).
Why is physical wellbeing crucial for your hospitality business?
- Increased productivity and reduced absenteeism: Physically well staff take fewer sick days, are more productive, and contribute to improved business results.
- Fewer workplace injuries: Employees who are physically healthy are less likely to experience injuries, which can be costly and harmful to both staff and business.
- Overall wellbeing: Good physical health supports mental wellbeing, happiness, and can even flow through to enhance the quality of customer service.
Some simple actions you can take to enhance physical wellbeing in your workplace:
- Encourage movement and regular breaks: even though hospitality staff are often on their feet, it’s important to promote varied movements and regular breaks.
- Create an ergonomic workspace: ensure your work environment is ergonomically sound, and educate your team on proper posture and movement to minimise strain.
- Encourage healthy meals: if you’re providing staff meals or snacks ensure there are healthy, nutritious options.
- Hydration is key: make sure your team have easy access to stay hydrated throughout their shift.
Supporting your team’s physical wellbeing doesn’t require a large budget or extensive resources. It’s about implementing practical measures to foster a healthier and happier workforce, which in turn benefits your business.
Stay tuned for the next edition of Hospitality Review, where we’ll explore mental wellbeing, another essential component of our HOSPO Health Wellbeing Framework.
* This article was written for and published in Hospitality Review magazine, August/September 2024.