Stress, illness, and fatigue are just some of the causes related to increased sick days, lack of productivity, and employee dissatisfaction. Many employers are incorporating workplace wellness initiatives to address these issues and reduce health care costs.
Here are 8 easy ways for employees to bring wellness to the workplace. Feel free to share these ideas and promote them in your office.
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator. A 160-lb person burns 29 calories walking up one flight of stairs. Do that 4 times a day and you have burned 116 calories! As a rule of thumb, wherever you can add physical activity to your day, do it!
- Replace your desk chair with an exercise ball. This helps you maintain good posture, and keeps your core tight. Not to mention it makes it easy to do a few crunches when you need a break!
- Use a pedometer. Purchase a pedometer and set goals for a reasonable amount of steps to take per day. It’s a good reminder on the days when you haven’t got moving.
- Keep a stress ball nearby. Squeezing a stress ball and taking a few deep breaths can help calm you down and refocus your mind.
- Take a break. Studies show that employees who spend 10 minutes surfing the web are more productive and effective at tasks—and it’s better than taking a snack break! If your company has strict internet use policies, try using your break to get up and walk around the building or take a walk outside.
- Watch your posture. Sit close to your work station, keep your monitor at eye level, and try to keep your legs at 90 degrees with your feet planted on the ground.
- Keep your space germ-free. Wash your hands, your desk and workspace before and after you eat.
- Stay hydrated—drink H2O! Our bodies depend on water for survival, so staying hydrated is essential to good health. Long term, the effects of hydration is a healthier body. Short term, staying hydrated can help you curb food cravings and help regulate your mood and temperature.
What do you do in your office to support wellness?
