All articles tagged with #workplace wellness
Prolonged sitting is linked to higher risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes, even among those who exercise regularly. Experts emphasize that short, frequent movement breaks are more effective than relying solely on daily workouts to counteract the metabolic and cardiovascular harms of a sedentary lifestyle.
Many workplace wellness initiatives, such as fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness programs, are often out of touch with employees' boundaries and realities, leading to discomfort, resentment, and even harm, especially when they intrude on personal topics like body image and dieting. These programs tend to shift responsibility for well-being onto employees while neglecting systemic issues like understaffing and unreasonable workloads, making them ineffective and sometimes counterproductive.
Long hours of sitting at work can negatively impact gut health by slowing down gut motility, leading to bloating, constipation, and inflammation. Experts recommend taking frequent breaks, staying hydrated, and maintaining a high-fiber diet to mitigate these effects and promote better digestive health.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that standing desks may not offer the health benefits many believe, as standing still is not significantly better than sitting for cardiovascular health. Dr. Angela Hsu from Kaiser Permanente highlights that standing without movement can lead to issues like leg swelling and varicose veins. The key to improving health is regular movement, such as walking meetings or taking breaks to walk, rather than simply standing.
A 'manager crash' is predicted for 2025 due to unaddressed burnout and lack of support for middle managers, according to meQuilibrium. This downturn in manager well-being could lead to increased turnover and decreased organizational success. To prevent this, companies must prioritize mental well-being and support for managers. The issue is exacerbated by layoffs and the reluctance of Gen Z workers to pursue management roles, highlighting the need for systemic changes to support middle management.
A report by Gympass and Northwell Health on the "State of Work-Life Wellness" reveals that the key to employee mental wellness is the power of choice in work arrangements. The survey of over 5,000 full-time workers found that workers who had the opportunity to choose their preferred work setting were more productive, lower-stress, better-rested, and happier with their employer. However, many companies are still mandating office returns, creating a gap in workplace well-being. The report emphasizes the need for employers to prioritize employee well-being and flexibility to satisfy evolving needs and wants. Workers now prioritize well-being as much as salary and are more likely to consider leaving a job that doesn't prioritize their well-being. Companies that prioritize employee well-being will be the most successful in the future.
Experts emphasize the importance of taking mental health breaks during the workday to improve mood, increase productivity, and reduce stress. Despite the benefits, only 1 in 3 employees regularly take breaks. Employers have a shared responsibility to encourage mindful breaks and create a positive working environment. Micro-breaks of 2-3 throughout the day, even as short as five minutes, can positively impact the nervous system. Examples of mental health breaks include deep breathing, taking a walk outside, avoiding screens, and engaging in mindfulness activities like prayer. Overscheduling and a hustle culture are detrimental to well-being, and breaks are essential for maintaining productivity and overall health.
Sitting for prolonged periods and looking at screens can cause rounded tightness in the neck, back, and shoulders. A six-minute stretch sequence created by trainer Nicole Uribarri can help target these affected areas. The best part: You can actually do this series at your desk, sitting in your chair. This could possibly help establish this stretch as a regular part of your day.