How to Create a Healthier Workplace

Posted by: BeneFIT Corporate Wellness
Date: August 4, 2015

How many hours per day does the average American work? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the answer is 8.8 hours. Spending over 40 hours per week at work can take a toll, both physically and mentally. Often, individuals sit or stand for multiple hours at a time, grabbing a quick bite of whatever is easily accessible and navigating the many stressors encountered on a daily basis. There are a number of things employees can do in order to make their work environments healthier. Additionally, with the support of a company’s leadership, they can also become easy choices to make.

Following is a checklist of seven ways to create a healthier workplace―one that can help lead to a healthier, happier lifestyle:

1. Deliver messages in person, rather than relying solely on email. Sitting at your desk may feel productive, but finding productive reasons to be out of your chair and on the move more frequently will increase your activity level.
2. Schedule walking meetings as often as convenience (and weather) permits. It’s an easy way to incorporate more physical activity during the day and a great way for company leaders to role model healthy behaviors and expectations.
3. Incorporate “brain breaks” into your next marathon-long meeting. After sitting for an hour or two, take a minute to stand, stretch, walk around the room or run in place.
4. Turn your office into an impromptu gym by keeping a set of dumbbells or resistance bands nearby. Or, simply utilize the space in creative ways in order to do exercises such as lunges or squats.
5. Take advantage of your company’s healthy food policies, which may include serving healthy items during meetings, from vending machines or at company functions. If your company doesn’t have these policies in place, prepare your own healthy snacks and meals ahead of time, and encourage your company to make healthier food choices easy and more accessible
6. Form groups with your co-workers to work on issues such as losing weight, staying active or meeting health goals. Teams from diverse areas of the company will be more successful in engaging co-workers and creating positive change when planning workplace wellness activities.
7. Participate in employer-provided health screenings and educational seminars. During a busy work week, it’s often hard to find the time to take care of these activities. If your workplace offers these convenient services at low or no-cost, take advantage.

To learn more about creating a healthier workplace, please contact us.

Disclaimer: The information presented is for your general knowledge and does not replace the advice of a physician. All medical inquiries regarding your health should be presented to a physician.