It is no secret that employees that feel good work better. And as the industry focuses on wellness, we thought it would be a good time to present a few things you can do in your own office. Here are six ways to jump on the wellness wagon at work.
Perfect Your Posture
Did you know that 86 percent of people spend most of their day at the computer and that, on average, we spend 38 minutes of every working hour in poor posture? It’s no wonder why back pain is a top disease burden. It costs U.S. businesses $100 to 200 billion per year, according to the Institute for Health Metrics & Evaluation—not counting the toll that it takes on creativity and problem-solving.
New AI software from Brightday is designed to coach you to better posture using your computer’s webcam. Brightday observes a user’s posture throughout a 15-minute session, during which the user can go about their normal work activities at the computer.
“The aim here is to correct the behavior behind tense postures. I’ve noticed that initiatives to improve posture have had the benefits of decreased back and joint pain and improved creativity and productivity, among others,” says Jean Couch, posture advisor for organizations including Google, Kaiser Permanente and Stanford University.
Lighten Up
“As more people spend more time indoors and away from natural light, our circadian rhythm, or internal clock, is drastically being affected,” notes Bill Schafer, executive sales director of commercial lighting at Crestron. “As a result, tired employees are leading to reduced productivity, efficiency and, ultimately, lost revenue. On top of that, employees who feel tired or burnt-out are more likely to look for a new job compared to their peers who feel refreshed starting the workday.”
Crestron Solar Sync technology controls circadian lighting to offices to help boost concentration, productivity and creativity. The solution takes the color temperature of actual outdoor light and adjusts artificial lighting throughout the day for optimal exposure, helping keep the body’s internal clock in-check.
Stop Smoking
It is no secret that smoking is not good for your health. Thanks to a new digital program, you can get help online. EX Program is one company out to help. “The ability to reach smokers with a digital quit smoking program is unprecedented,” says Dr. Amanda Graham, senior vice president of innovations at Truth Initiative and head of the EX Program. “Our research has shown that online interactive interventions are as effective as face-to-face and quitline interventions, but at far lower costs.”
Clean Up Your Act
Proper hand hygiene is an important measure in reducing illness-causing germs that can make you sick, whether around food or at other times during the day. Jim Arbogast, Ph.D., vice president of hygiene sciences and public health advancements at GOJO, a hand hygiene company, takes it a step farther. “Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.”
Calm Down
Aromatherapy is an all-natural way to bring wellness to the workplace. “Essential oils can help calm the mind, balance the mood, and enhance productivity, focus and concentration. Many oils can also help to counteract mental fatigue, anxiety, irritability, tension and stress,” notes Kim Greiner, sales manager of Serene House USA, a company that offers a wide range of high quality ultrasonic essential oil diffusers and oils. Its top-selling Ranger travel USB-operated ultrasonic diffuser can be plugged into a laptop or any USB port.
Select Smart Snacks
Employees are often challenged with a late afternoon slump and turn to snacks that are high glycemic, leaving them with a false boost of energy, often leading to a sugar crash soon after. “Selecting snacks that are low glycemic provides sustainable energy, helping to pick you up in the afternoon and finish out your day strong,” says Kellie C. Lee, creator and owner of Rowdy Prebiotic Foods Additionally. “Look for ingredients like the gut-health superfood Yacon Root which has many health benefits, one being a natural appetite suppressant, so you won’t feel hungry during your afternoon meetings."
