How To Celebrate World Health Day At Work

Prioritizing employee health, wellness, and happiness is a long-term plan that enhances retention, productivity, and an organization's bottom line. The emphasis on wellness takes on heightened significance, considering the evolving demographics of the workforce. Today’s employees, notably Gen Z employees, tend to perform at their peak when their well-being is nurtured.

These younger employees, who are rapidly becoming a major part of our workforce, have a distinct perspective on work-life balance. They demonstrate higher productivity and engagement when their mental and physical health is respected and prioritized in the workplace.

One way to show you care and create a work environment that caters to employees' holistic well-being is by having health and wellness policies and celebrating holidays focused on wellness. One such holiday to recognize and celebrate is World Health Day. 

Read on to learn more about World Health Day and how to celebrate it at work.

What Is World Health Day & When Is It?

World Health Day is a global initiative to heighten awareness of prevalent health issues and foster a culture of healthy living. It is celebrated annually on April 7th. 

Ever since its initiation in 1950, it has acted as a rallying call to individuals around the globe, advocating for improved health standards for all.

Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) earmarks a specific public health issue as the theme. Previous themes have included mental health, food safety, and universal health coverage. This year (2024), the theme is "My health, my right," underscoring the fundamental human right to access comprehensive health services and advocating for safe water, clean air, and sufficient nutrition to ensure good health for everyone.

While WHO is yet to release next year's theme, planning your involvement early is crucial in augmenting the health of your employees. If you're unsure where to begin, we've got you covered with some suggestions!

7 World Health Day Ideas For Work

Here are seven great ideas for celebrating World Health Day at your company:

1. Promote Mental Health Care

According to a survey by the Business Group on Health, the business landscape is currently grappling with a significant escalation of mental health issues among employees. These include depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

To put it in perspective, in 2022, 44% of employers reported a rise in mental health issues. However, just a year later, in 2023, that figure leaped to a staggering 77%! 

What’s even more concerning is that these instances of mental health issues are predicted to continue to rise. In fact, 16% of employers are bracing for a further uptick.

Most individuals reporting mental illness are unable to access much-needed care. This is due to affordability, unawareness of resources, and rigid schedules posed significant hurdles. 

So, one of the best ways to celebrate World Health Day is by promoting workplace policies that ensure continuous mental healthcare access.

Offer mental health training for everyone in the organization to help them realize when they need help. Also, introduce health insurance and regulations that foster a supportive mental health culture. Alternatively, offer incentives like flexible work hours for employees seeking treatment.

2. Provide First Aid Training

World Health Day is centered around the principle of healthcare equity. It aims to ensure that each individual has access to critical healthcare and training services regardless of location. As part of your World Health Day celebrations, consider scheduling a first aid course with your local Red Cross for your workforce.

Whether your workplace is a high-injury-risk environment or not, first aid training is essential. Possessing first-aid knowledge is crucial in managing and stabilizing injuries effectively. Such expertise is beneficial within the workplace and is integral to safety outside work. 

This training equips your employees with life-saving skills, reinforcing the importance of health and well-being on and off the job.

3. Organize A Company Walk

To recognize the significance of World Health Day, consider organizing a company walk. This walk will promote physical well-being, boost morale, and reinforce employee connections. And the good news is you can implement this event for both in-office or remote teams.

If everyone is on-site, arrange a walk around the office or a nearby picturesque location like a park or beach. This allows employees to synergize and enhance their health through exercise and exposure to the rejuvenating outdoors. 

For remote teams, encourage employees to designate a part of their workday for an outdoor stroll. This simple activity promotes health and breaks the monotony of remote work, ensuring that everyone celebrates the essence of World Health Day.

4. Encourage Healthy Eating During Work

We all know that, when working, it’s tempting to reach for convenient, unhealthy snacks (particularly sugar-laden ones) that offer a quick dopamine boost during monotonous tasks.

While you can't mandate dietary changes among employees, providing healthy alternatives is a great way to encourage healthier choices. Offer employees free fruits like apples. Apples are affordable and serve as a rich source of slow-releasing fructose that fuels your body all day without causing a sudden blood sugar surge.

Healthy snacks help sustain alertness and dodge afternoon sluggishness. If you have remote employees, share easy-to-make, nutrient-dense lunch or snack recipes to promote healthy eating habits and celebrate the spirit of World Health Day. 

You could also order healthy snack boxes for your office or send them to your remote employees. 

5. Hold A Fundraiser

Organizing a fundraising event on World Health Day for a nonprofit health-oriented organization is a meaningful way to give back to the community. It allows the office to rally behind a significant cause, fostering team unity and enhancing job satisfaction.

Engaging in charitable endeavors also boosts your company's social responsibility efforts, reflecting positively on its image. 

Besides contributing to societal well-being, such philanthropic initiatives can provide your business with tax benefits. Therefore, hosting a fundraiser is not merely a charitable act but a step towards elevating your company's reputation and encouraging your staff's commitment.

6. Provide Ergonomic Workstations

Demonstrate that you care about your employees' health by providing them with ergonomic workstations. Poorly designed workspaces can lead to various physical issues, including back pain, neck strain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

Ergonomic interventions reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries. Invest in adjustable chairs, standing desks, and wrist support tools to show that you prioritize your employees' well-being. 

Proper ergonomics can increase productivity, decrease absenteeism, and foster a sense of appreciation towards the company.

7. Organize A Health Fair

Organizing a health fair is an informative and engaging way to celebrate World Health Day at work. A health fair not only provides valuable information but also promotes a culture of wellness in the workplace. 

Invite local doctors, nutritionists, fitness experts, and other health professionals to conduct educational sessions.

The health fair can cover various topics, such as nutrition, mental health, physical activity, disease prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices. 

Use the fair to encourage employees to participate in yoga or meditation classes and blood pressure checks to help them stay on top of their health.

Final Thoughts

World Health Day is a significant occasion that underscores the importance of global health and wellness. Organizations have a pivotal role in marking this day and promoting health-conscious behavior.

Celebrating World Health Day at work creates a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce. On next year’s World Health Day, try one of the strategies mentioned above to show your employees that you care about their health and well-being.

If you need a simplified way to mark World Health Day and other awareness days, PerkUp can help. We provide the best solution for employee rewards and recognition to foster a healthier and more engaged work environment. Book a demo today!