Physical and mental health-being have become the most talked-about issues in a post-pandemic world. Organisations adopted several strategies over the years to encourage their employees healthy and fit by introducing a corporate wellness program and having a gym on the premise. Not only corporates, but the government is also not lagging behind and launched the ‘Fit India’ program in 2019 to make fitness an integral part of our daily lives. Despite all efforts, obesity continues to be a reason for us to be bothered.

In view of the persistent problem of obesity or overweight, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar suggests making exercise an integral part of daily work goals laid out by an office.

“Office management must fix a schedule during office hours and encourage their employees to actively participate in workouts. Employees should not be expected to present for a meeting during the workout schedule,” says Diwekar while talking at a session on uncomplicating health and wellness at work during the recently held TechHR India 2022.

According to her, employees can be held accountable for their health if a similar system is introduced in the workplace. Despite knowing the importance of daily exercise to our body and mind, the majority of us skip citing tight office schedules.

Adding to it, she further suggests that keeping a watch on employees’ physical well-being and encouraging them to adopt healthy eating habits are equally important. “People eat junk and unhealthy snacks despite knowing the harmful effects it has. Instead of stacking up the vending machines with all unhealthy snacks, it is better to make local healthy food accessible to them,” adds Diwekar who is a vocal champion of using common sense and un-complicating the act of eating.

Employers who have followed many strategies over the years to take good care of the health of their employees should consider a similar initiative to have a healthy and growth-oriented workforce.

Diwekar also suggests offices make their workout zone most attractive and easily accessible to everyone. “Instead of setting up the fitness centre in the basement it is better to make it the most appealing one,” she adds.

The nutritionist emphasises a blend of traditional food wisdom and modern nutrition science for a healthy body and mind, best reflected through her mantra – eat local, think global. Her books have sold more than 1.5 million copies and continue to define the discourse on food and exercise. She is also amongst the most followed nutritionists globally with more than 4.5 million social media followers.