Friday April 13th 2018 is Ireland's fourth National Workplace Wellbeing Day and is now firmly established as the biggest celebration of workplace wellbeing in the Irish Calendar. I’ve written previously about workplace wellness promotion and about how both employers and employees can play their part in supporting a positive work environment so I’m delighted to help spread the word about this event as ultimately this day represents everything that Office Worker Health is about:
I was diagnosed with MS in 2003 and wow what a shock it was at the time. I was enjoying a successful career in Finance and living a full life outside of work.
After receiving my diagnosis, I remember sitting in a park crying my eyes out at the thought of what might happen and then I said to myself “I will not be a victim”. What I meant by this was, I would do everything I could, to stay well.
Read MoreUncontrolled stress can sabotage any weight loss plan. As a nurse practitioner and health coach, I see many clients who list weight loss as their main wellness goal. Often they tell me they are not losing weight even though they have changed their diet and started working out. I always ask about their stress levels, and most of them will indicate it is “moderate” to “very high.” I usually focus on ways to decrease their stress levels first, then diet and exercise.
Read MoreFor office workers, the danger isn’t lifting heavy objects or working hard in the sun all day, it’s conditions like carpal tunnel and computer vision syndrome. While workers are far less likely to throw a back out or herniate a disk at their desks, they’re still vulnerable to a wide array of health issues and injury risks.
We know that sitting at a desk and staring at a computer screen all day can take its toll, but what can Human Resources do about it? Let’s look at how HR and the management team can take better care of their workers in the office.
Read MoreThere isn’t one solution to staying healthy, but, rather a combination of things -- including keeping active and eating wholesome, good-for-you foods. While eating healthy and moving more might sound too difficult to do against a demanding work schedule, there are a few quick tips you can keep in mind to help you conquer both – regardless of work schedule.
Read MoreIf you haven’t heard, “Sitting Disease” is the new smoking and its killing Americans. With the vast majority of hours being racked up in the office, individuals now more than ever, need to find ways to be physically active at their desk. So what’s the latest in fitness technology and products? Here are a few creative options:
Office Furniture that doubles as Gym Equipment
Treadmill desks have been around for a while and now the data is showing how effective they really are.
Read MoreThe term chronic disease applies to a group of diseases that tend to be long-lasting and have persistent effects. Chronic diseases have a range of potential impacts on a person's individual circumstances, including quality of life, social, professional and financial.
Chronic Diseases such as type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, stroke and some cancers are becoming more prevalent in Australia’s culture. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare stated that “more than 11 million (50%) of Australians reported having at least 1 of 8 chronic diseases in 2014-2015.” This number is growing.
Read MoreThe decision has been made, “it’s time for a lifestyle change” and you are ready to be active, fit and healthy. You found the right trainer, gym and/or group to take you to the next level. Yet, one thing remains the same, the office —the thing you call work and all of it’s sugary temptations— the cookies, the morning donuts and those darn pieces of Halloween candy that seem to never go away! Don’t fret, you can creatively change your unhealthy work environment into a healthy work environment in 5 easy steps.
Read MoreMost of us feel like we are at the mercy of our schedules, our bosses’ expectations AND our own. We feel pressured to stay head’s down in our cubicles, in front of our computers all day. Somehow meetings get placed on our schedule—last minute. We deal with emergencies from clients, co-workers as well as from management. Thus, we feel like we are putting out fires with no time to actually get proactive work done. At the end of the day, we feel exhausted and stressed with all that is left on our plate. So, we go back to our computers and work after the kids are in bed or lay awake worrying about all that needs to get done tomorrow.
Read MoreWhy are ergonomics so important in the office?
Ergonomics encourage people to have a comfortable experience whilst at work by reducing any injuries that may be caused due to awkward posture and straining of the muscles due to repetitive tasks. Injuries can go unnoticed and employees do not realise that they can have long term effects on their health, ongoing exposure to these risks can cause stress to the mind and body and therefore lead to ergonomic injuries.
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