It's Time To Talk About Office Health Risks
The pandemic has made us painfully aware of some of the health risks inherent to working in office spaces. We’ve been told that germs can travel through the air and stuck to the surfaces we touch. Hand sanitizers and soap bars have now become the most popular stock items for offices in all industry sectors. Along with facial masks, they bring a sense of control and safety. However, it would be foolish to assume that germs are the only health hazard inside the office. As we prepare to return to the office and create a safe environment for all, it’s time to consider some of the most commonly overlooked dangers.
Office stress kills
The modern workplace is inflicting a dangerously high level of stress on all employees. In 2015, an analysis of 300 studies found worrying links between harmful workplace practices and mortality rates. Indeed, long working hours, lack of work/life balance, and unpredictable workload are some of the most commonly identified reasons to develop workplace anxiety, according to specialists. Conflicts between coworkers and managers can increase stress levels, yet a lot of employees need anxiety treatment supplements and therapy assistance even though they are healthy relationships with their coworkers. Businesses need to appreciate how internal decisions and processes can affect staff.
The office diet single-handedly drives diabetic increase
What does the typical office kitchen look like? A lot of companies offer a variety of snacks and treats, which could have a negative impact on productivity and long-term health. But even if a business chooses healthy ingredients and foods, the kitchen layout can still be harmful to the team’s health. For instance, the proper cooking equipment in a small office kitchen could make it easy for employees to warm up their lunch or gain access to a fresh cup of coffee. This will reduce reliance on takeaway shops, and put people in control of their diet.
What’s office flexibility?
Can you touch your toes? This might seem like a silly question, but sitting for a prolonged time can affect individual mobility and flexibility. Hip tightness is one of the first consequences of prolonged sitting. It might not seem like much, but gradually muscles develop tightness all across the body, from back to thighs. As a result, it’s not uncommon to develop soreness. Lack of flexibility also makes it hard to stick to a fitness routine, as it can be uncomfortable. Lack of flexibility increases fatigue syndrome and joint problems.
Office loneliness, together but alone
It’s odd to think that even in the most numerous teams, people tend to be lonely. They are all working together, but office conflicts, power struggles, and lack of time compete together to prevent employees from building meaningful relationships. In fact, a lot of people suffer from isolation in the workplace. This can lead to depressive disorders. Unfortunately, the work culture doesn’t encourage social time inside the office. But introducing social events during working hours can help promote the idea that coworkers can rely on each other like friends.
In conclusion, the pandemic is transforming the way we think about the workplace. It’s time to seize the opportunity to bring our offices to the next level, creating a space that supports both mental and physical health for all.
