Did you know that the average office worker spends up to 6 hours of their day sitting at their desk? Working long hours in an office can take its toll on your health and well-being – but it doesn’t have to be this way.
By creating a healthier office environment, you can ensure that your staff stay fit and healthy, and become more productive. Read on to find out six simple ways to make your office a healthier place.
Encourage regular breaks
Encouraging regular breaks throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to keep your staff healthy and in some ways, one of the oldest tricks in the book. Taking regular breaks away from their desks can help them to relax and stay focused, reducing their risk of developing health problems caused by prolonged sitting.
Try to encourage your workforce to take short walks or stretch their legs at intervals through the day. You may also wish to consider walking meetings (weather permitting, of course).
Introduce standing desks
Standing desks are becoming increasingly popular in offices, and for good reason. Studies have shown that using standing desks can reduce the risks of back problems, neck pain and poor posture, as well as reducing the risks of obesity, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.
They are also a great way to help your staff stay energised and focused throughout the day. If you can’t afford to invest in standing desks for everyone, consider investing in a few to share among your staff.
Introduce ergonomic chairs
Ergonomic chairs are a great way to ensure that your staff are working in comfort and in good health. They provide the support and comfort that your staff need to stay healthy, reducing the risk of developing back problems or neck pain.
Investing in good quality, ergonomic chairs is an investment that will pay off in the long-term, both in terms of your staff’s health and their productivity.
Encourage healthy eating
Let’s move onto another classic. You could provide healthy snacks such as fruit, nuts and seeds, or provide healthy lunch options such as salads and wraps.
It’s also a good idea to encourage your staff to drink plenty of water throughout the day, with some companies attempting to provide branded water bottles. This will help them to stay hydrated and keep their energy levels up.
Consider the air quality
To go one step further, take a leaf out of offices from Asia and the Middle East and consider an air purifier for dust.
There are all sorts of studies showing the perils of dust, while anything that can cleanse the air following the events of recent years should obviously be taken seriously.
Encourage regular health checks
Finally, it’s a good idea to encourage your staff to have regular health checks. This will help to ensure that any health problems are identified and treated quickly, reducing the risk of long-term health problems.
Most companies will provide these external health checks as a benefit in kind.
