When working in an office, employees spend several hours a day sitting at their desks. Whilst this may be considered the business norm, it has a big impact on physical and mental health in the workplace. Sitting for long periods of time has been linked to various health issues and implementing solutions to support employees can have a big impact on their day-to-day working lives, as well as their personal lives outside of work.
It’s becoming increasingly common for businesses to introduce new wellbeing initiatives that are designed to promote physical activity and improve overall health in the workplace. In this post, we have explored how impactful these initiatives can be and provided some popular examples to consider implementing in your workplace.
The Impact of Sitting at a Desk on Physical Health
Sitting for prolonged periods at a desk can significantly impact physical health, regardless of whether employees have a good exercise routine outside of work. This sedentary behaviour has been linked to a heightened risk of things like obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Not to mention, extended periods of sitting can cause aches and pains, as well as poor posture and decreased mobility, potentially contributing to weight gain over time.
Employee mental health can also suffer, with prolonged sitting increasing feelings of fatigue and impacting cognitive function. Therefore, addressing the sedentary nature of office work is essential to protecting the overall physical and mental wellbeing of employees.
Popular Health Initiatives to Improve Employee Health
In an attempt to create a healthier and more active team of employees, lots of businesses are implementing new initiatives to promote physical wellbeing. Here are some popular initiatives to consider to help improve employee health;
Discounted Gym Memberships - Offering discounted gym memberships to employees is a popular initiative aimed at encouraging regular physical activity. Access to fitness facilities can not only improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength but also provide an opportunity for stress relief, which many employees need.
Fitness Classes at Lunchtime - Providing on-site fitness classes during lunch breaks is an effective way to encourage employees to stay active during the workday. These classes can cater to different fitness levels and preferences, from yoga to HIIT sessions. They make it convenient for employees to participate in regular exercise.
'Walk-to-Work' or 'Cycle-to-Work' Programs - Encouraging employees to walk or cycle to work promotes activity first thing in the morning. Businesses can incentivise participation in these programs by offering rewards such as wellness points, monetary bonuses or designated parking for cyclists, contributing to both physical health and sustainability.
Standing Desks - Introducing standing desks or adjustable workstations allows employees to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, reducing prolonged sitting time. Standing desks are becoming more popular and they can effectively enhance overall physical wellbeing in the workplace.
Activity Challenges and Competitions - Implementing challenges and competitions, such as step challenges or team sports tournaments, can create a sense of camaraderie while encouraging regular physical activity. These initiatives promote healthy competition and also create opportunities for social interaction and team building.
Wellness Workshops - Organising wellness workshops covering topics such as nutrition, stress management and ergonomics can empower employees to make healthier lifestyle choices. Providing access to educational resources and expert guidance can support employees in achieving their health and fitness goals, leading to improved wellbeing.
Improving Employee Wellbeing in Ireland
Ultimately, prioritising employee wellbeing at work by implementing initiatives to improve physical health is key to creating a supportive work environment. By addressing the negative impacts of sedentary behaviour and promoting regular physical activity, you can enhance employee health, reduce sickness absences and increase overall productivity. Investing in employee wellbeing offers several benefits and can contribute to the long-term success of your business. So, it’s not something that should be overlooked.
Here at Precision Health, we provide a range of services designed to help improve employee wellbeing in Ireland. We combine medical expertise and innovative health technologies to empower employees and help increase the overall wellbeing of the workplace population. Through a combination of innovative initiatives and supportive workplace policies, we can help you create a healthy workplace and reap the benefits of doing so. Get in touch with our expert team today to discuss your specific needs in more detail and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have about employee wellbeing.
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