Six ways your workforce can boost their physical health
Organizations are facing a number of curveballs in 2020 — the upheaval of new remote workforce, office closures (and reopening), an influx of musculoskeletal conditions brought on by new workspace conditions and more. With no end in sight, companies and their employees need to be especially mindful of their overall health and wellbeing. Being in turmoil can be detrimental to the person, mental and physical health and can dovetail into their ability to function at work.
There are a lot of things people can do to improve their physical health (which can also improve their mental health). For some, it may be to lose weight, eliminate a bad habit, for an all-around day-to-day revamp. In any case, one small step in the right direction actually translates to a giant leap towards their well-being, no matter the size.
Six months into a global pandemic, people are fiercely challenged to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The truth is, with gyms being closed, work from home orders and high levels of stress, anxiety and/or depression, people are relying heavily on themselves to combat falling into a physical rut.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel for your workforce, one that can be easily accessed by making these simple changes. By incorporating these tips, your employees will see the light more clearly and brighter, ultimately improving their overall physical health.
Ergonomically charged workstations
Regardless if your workforce is back in the office, or still working from home, ergonomics matter. Workspaces should be strategic and thoughtful, taking into consideration the body and its physical needs. Here are three ergonomic changes for better work day support:
- Computer screens should be at eye level and a reachable distance from your body. If you’re using more than one monitor, each should be set up side by side with no gap.
- Chairs should offer good lumbar support as well as some space between behind the knees and the chair itself. Adjustable chairs are a great option.
- Posture is key — when seated, keep an upright spine and feet planted below the knees. The knees, hips, and elbows should all be at a 90-degree angle.
Exercise and active lifestyles
Exercise and staying active can help improve energy and mood, combat health conditions and improve overall strength. The recommended physical activity guideline for adults is 21 minutes per day, which can easily be integrated into the day. There are ways to encourage and enable your workforce to lead an active lifestyle. Organizations are offering gym/fitness class stipends to employees, suggesting taking their meetings while on walks or setting up team fitness challenges.
Positive sleep hygiene
Adequate sleep is the first step to setting positive intentions and goals for the next day which can include maintaining a high level of productivity and energy at work. Companies should host workshops focusing on the importance of sleep and how to enjoy high-quality sleep each night or promote the use of sleep trackers to monitor the amount and quality of sleep. The average adult needs about eight hours of sleep per night, and can enhance it by reducing caffeine and screen time close to bedtime, establishing a routine before going to bed and after waking up, establishing a positive sleep environment.
Stress management tactics
Stress can wreak havoc on physical health, but also affect the ability to sleep, workout or maintain a balanced diet. Given the current landscape of the country, people are more stressed and hit with higher anxiety than before. Therefore, organizations are doing their part to help employees manage stress with guided team meditations and yoga. These exercises can improve pain, reduce stress and reduce risk of depression.
Well-balanced diets
A nutritious and well-balanced diet can enhance physical health and emotional well-being. It is an added support system to a positive day-to-day, physically, mentally and professionally. Before the pandemic, companies had hosted meals throughout the day that were nutritiously beneficial for their workforce. When working-from-home during the pandemic, employees should have resources on how to structure their daily, balanced diets.
Virtual physical therapy
As the CDC recommends physical therapy as the first treatment for musculoskeletal (MSK) pain, virtual physical therapy brings an added level of safety when focusing on improving physical health. Physical therapy isn’t only for existing conditions; seeing a physical therapist (PT) regularly also reduces the risk of developing new painful issues. Physera’s virtual physical therapy program provides users the ability to access their care from anywhere, at any time, reducing the risk of COVID-19 while we are still in the thick of the outbreak. Physera’s nationwide team of licensed PTs are equipped with the experience, training and technology to help those on the road to physical wellbeing.
Prevention is better than a cure and for the last year the Physera team has been working on a new prevention program, and are excited to announce that it will launch on January 1, 2021. The goal of our new prevention program, which is free to any new clients through the end of the year, is to help your employees get ahead of costly MSK pain. The prevention program will help those confined to non ideal short-term workspaces that lack the proper ergonomic setup.
Physera encourages you to share these tips with your population and aid them in learning more about the importance and effectiveness of physical therapy and ergonomics during the month of October.
Connect with us for more information about Physera’s virtual physical therapy services during Physical Therapy and Ergonomics Month and beyond, here.
