Healthy Workplace (Home + Office)
Creative Ideas for a Healthy Workplace
Office life: it’s often mundane and repetitive, causing debilitating repetitive muscle strain and mental sluggishness. Here are three novel pieces of equipment that you might not think of adding to an office.
They will add some fun to your daily grind, promoting better mental health and overall productivity. Change up your 9-5 routine and see what happens to your overall health and well-being, even after you’ve gone home for the day.
Massage Chairs
Those of us who sit at a desk for long hours know all too well the toll it can eventually take on our body and mental health. Choosing a desk chair that is comfortable and ergonomically designed is a great start, but adding a massage chair to your workplace wellness room has huge health benefits for active pain relief.
You can rest assured that you are being proactive about your employees’ health, and giving them a much-needed mental break which allows for more productivity later in the day. Massage chairs have been shown to increase endorphin levels, providing a natural feel-good boost which will encourage positive work habits and creativity.
The Omega Skyline Zero Gravity Massage Chair massages your back at three speeds to ease the painful lower-back strain that comes with sitting at a computer. It also includes an MP3 player and headphones to help create a soundtrack that will help you drift away in your mind as your muscles receive a relaxing massage.
Also, why not enhance your office with exceptional recliner chairs designed for low back and neck pain relief, merging comfort with ergonomic support for a healthier workspace?
Bean Bag Chairs
The Big Joe Roma Chair, which comes in six fun colors, would make a great addition to any creative office space in which brainstorms are encouraged. When your employees are comfortable and relaxed, they’re more likely to produce original ideas, and have fun doing it.
A grouping of comfortable, casual seats in an office setting can bring employees together and create a healthy team bond, as they truly enjoy sitting and relaxing together.
Add some bean bag chairs to your conference room and watch the creative collaborations and new ideas blossom in your co-workers, not to mention the child-like smiles and laughter.
Standing Desks
Have you seen this trend in your office yet? Recent studies have shown the negative impact that sitting for prolonged periods can have on our health. Sitting for too long can lower your metabolism, increasing your risk of developing diabetes or obesity later in life.
Sitting for too long can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and overall mortality rate. But don’t be too frightened or tempted to go to extremes; good office health is all about finding a healthy balance in your physical activity level at work. Adding more movement to your daily life, including walking and exercising, is healthy for anyone, and helps stimulate brain activity.
To reduce the strain on your body caused by too much standing, try using a gel mat with your standing desk. If you’re considering switching from a regular office chair to a standing desk, try a combination of both to begin with, alternating between the two so that your legs can get used to the additional strain.
6 Essentials for Working at Home
Years ago, you rarely heard about people working from home. Today, folks from all walks of life are saying goodbye to punching a time clock to work from home instead. There are a lot of obvious benefits; however, you have to treat it like an actual job to be successful.
This starts with the working environment and having the right supplies. Whether you are struggling to be productive or just starting with your work at home adventure, this list of essentials will help you reach your full potential.
Desk
It is really important to have a desk. A lot of freelancers think they don’t need one because they can just work at the kitchen table or living room coffee table. This is fine, but you will still need a place to keep supplies and important documents. Even a basic desk is better than nothing.
Office Chair
If you do plan on sitting at a desk to work, you will need a quality, comfortable office chair. Quite honestly, a lot more thought needs to go into selecting a chair because your productivity will be dictated by your comfort. Choose an office chair that won’t leave you achy within an hour, and you will be more productive with your valuable work time.
Filing System
If your desk has large drawers, you can use one for folders. Otherwise you can buy a filing cabinet or simply create a system in Rubbermaid bins. If you are on a tight budget, pick up empty boxes from your closest office supply store and create a filing system in them. You can always paint the boxes or cover them in wall paper or fabric for a personal touch.
Multi-function Printer
Rather than buy a separate printer, copier, and scanner, purchase a multifunction printer that will handle the workload of three electronics and computer. This is probably stating the obvious, buy you are going to need a computer and up to date software and antivirus.
Surge Protector
You might think it needs to be storming out to have a need for a surge protector, but it doesn’t. With time, an unprotected system sustains countless small surges that reduce its lifespan.
Lamp
A simple desk light is important to have. Overhead lighting is okay, but if you are looking at small print, you will want a lamp a little closer to what you’re reading. Natural light is great, too, but there may be times it is too bright. Plus, it can make the room hot. So, you will want to draw the shades and rely on your lamp. You could consider an eco-friendly solar lantern, as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, transforming your workplace into a health haven is not only beneficial for your employees' health and wellbeing, but it can also improve productivity and job satisfaction. By incorporating creative ideas such as standing desks, meditation rooms, and healthy snacks, you can create a positive workplace environment that promotes healthy habits and reduces stress levels. It's important to remember that small changes can make a big difference, and by taking the initiative to prioritize employee health, you can create a workplace culture that values wellness and supports personal growth. So why not start implementing these creative ideas today and transform your workplace into a health haven?