Important Tips To Promote Employee Health In The Office
Many employees who work in an office develop health problems because of bad habits and outdated office equipment. Correcting these behaviours is easier than you think and an essential part of your employee care plan. If you manage a range of employees pass these tips on to them and invest in proper equipment.
Get up and move
Sitting at your desk all day can lead to a variety of problems such back, hip, shoulders, and neck problems as well as bowel problems. The solution is simple, get up from time to time and move. Take a walk or do a few stretches. Not only will your muscles feel more relaxed you will think clearer.
Ensure you have ergonomic equipment
It is very important to ensure your employer invests in equipment which reduces strain resulting in long term health issues. This doesn’t necessarily mean breaking the bank. There are plenty of cheap office equipment suppliers which supply reasonably priced ergonomic equipment, so there is no excuse.
To ensure the health of your back, your chair must be at the right level for your height. If the chair is too high or too low it will place a strain on your back, shoulders, and legs. To determine the right height, your feet should be flat on the floor without placing a strain on your thighs and your elbows should rest comfortably on the desk without straining your shoulders.
It is a very good idea to ask your employer to invest in an ergonomic chair for you. This willhelp properly support the back to avoid long term health issues and improve posture. If you only use a computer sporadically, any keyboard will do, but it you spend most of your time entering data into a computer you really should consider an ergonomic keyboard. An ergonomic keyboard takes some getting used to but will benefit your wrists, preventing arthritis or worse, carpal tunnel.
Be kind to your eyes
When you take a break, your eyes get a break too. Staring at a computer screen all day puts a strain on your eyes causing them to get tired and water. Every hour you should give your eyes a five-minute break, and every three hours a fifteen-minute break. To reduce the glaring effect, reduce the brightness of the monitor and be sure you’re at an arm’s length of the screen.
Take it or leave it
When faced with lifting heavy objects, such as boxes filled with paper or files, consider the weight. If you’re going to pick something up, bend your knees to lift the box. If you think the box is too heavy, leave it and ask for help. By lifting something that is beyond your capacity, you could pull a muscle in your back or worse, get your spine out of alignment.
About lunchtime
If you’re in the habit of working through your lunchtime or eating at your desk, this is not a healthy choice. During lunchtime, you should leave your desk, go out and get some fresh air. Go for a walk, go window shopping or read a book or a newspaper. Not only will you get the chance to stretch your muscles and fill your lungs with fresh air, if you’re in a stressful job, your nerves will thank you. When you come back for the afternoon you’ll feel refreshed and ready to go another round.
Protecting your employee’s health in the office is all about common sense. Ensure they have the knowledge and equipment to stay fit and healthy. You might grumble a bit, but you will much more prefer your employees taking a five-minute break versus weeks of sick leave.
