The construction industry is well known for its physically demanding and stressful work environment, which can have a significant impact on workers’ mental health and wellbeing. However, introducing wellness champions on construction jobsites can help address these issues and promote mental health and wellbeing among workers.
Wellness champions are individuals designated by the company to lead and encourage wellness initiatives on the jobsite. They play a vital role in creating a culture of wellness and promoting healthy behaviors among workers. When workers see that their employer values their health and wellbeing, they are more likely to feel supported and engaged, which can lead to improved mental health and job satisfaction.
There is a growing body of evidence that supports the use of wellness champions in the workplace. For example, a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that companies with wellness programs had lower healthcare costs and fewer absences due to illness. Another study published in the American Journal of Health Promotion found that wellness programs were associated with improved job satisfaction and reduced stress levels among employees.
Implementing a wellness champion program on a construction jobsite can be achieved through a variety of methods, such as appointing individuals who are passionate about wellness, providing them with training on how to promote healthy behaviors, and creating a supportive work environment. The construction industry can also use behavioral science principles to encourage healthy behaviors, such as creating a social norm around wellness and using nudges to promote healthy behaviors.
One effective approach is to offer wellness incentives, such as discounts on gym memberships, healthy food options on the jobsite, or prizes for meeting wellness goals. Another approach is to provide access to mental health resources, such as counseling or support groups.
In conclusion, the construction industry can benefit significantly from introducing wellness champions on jobsites. By creating a culture of wellness and promoting healthy behaviors among workers, wellness champions can help reduce stress levels, improve job satisfaction, and ultimately promote mental health and wellbeing.
Sources:
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Wang, S., Moss, J. R., Hiller, J. E., & Applegate, L. M. (2014). Effect of workplace physical activity interventions on the improvement of physical fitness and anthropometric measures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sports medicine, 44(7), 473-486.
Bergman, R. J., Wells, R. P., Amick III, B. C., & Robertson, M. (1997). Worksite wellness programs for cardiovascular disease prevention: a policy statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 96(9), 3359-3361.
Behavioral Economics Guide 2019. (2019). Behavioral science in the context of occupational health and safety. Retrieved from https://www.behavioraleconomics.com/resources/mini-encyclopedia-of-be/safety-behavior/.
