By Maria I Aguero, MS, RDN, CDCES, CDN, CHC, Clinical Dietitian

May is Global Employee Health and Fitness Month, an opportunity for organizations to reflect on what they are doing, or not doing, to promote the health and well-being of their employees.

Studies show that employees who practice healthier lifestyle choices tend to be more productive in the workplace. Therefore, an investment in employees' health is an investment in the overall health of an organization, which will contribute to greater productivity in the workplace and create an environment of trust and respect.

Neighborhood Health Center has been promoting mental health in the workplace by implementing wellness programs and other activities that support wellness at work, increasing motivation and employee happiness.

Here are some steps employees can take to care for their own mental wellness:

• Reconcile family life with work
• Take advantage of wellness programs
• Take regular breaks
• Learn to say NO
• Take vacation
• Limit overtime work
• Avoid taking work home or having long working hours
• Talk to Human Resources to ask for support
• Exercise after or before work or take a walk during your break

Most employed people spend two-thirds of their lives at work and happier, healthier employees are beneficial for everyone. So, make an effort to prioritize employees' mental health. 

Additional resources:

https://www.gehfm.org/

https://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/tools-resources/workplace-health/nutrition.html