Sufficient Workplace Wellness and Workouts – How could things be improved for you as an employee?

Is a discounted gym pass or a free 6 monthly health check enough?

These are now common perks of employment within many companies, but are they really the best way to keep you, as an employee fit and healthy?

You still have to pay out for travel to and from the gym, and the rest of the membership fee that’s not discounted, possibly childcare for the extra time you’re there.

Health checks are fine too, and just getting checked out once or twice a year can help to catch any problems, however it might be best if you were actively leading a fit and healthy lifestyle to aid prevention of poor health in the first place.

Wouldn’t it be far better if your company was dedicated to helping keep its employees healthy by making it more a way of living, integrated into our daily work life?

Both physical and mental health and fitness are key to having productive workers.

Some companies do provide an on-site gym for employees now, which gives more motivation to go to the gym, especially as we all seem so stuck for time, and the impact of the cost of living on everybody at the moment. Not having to do an extra journey and a cheaper gym sounds great. This is a brilliant option so long as an all-inclusive atmosphere is adopted, and every individual feels they can workout here. Not all businesses have the ability or capacity to offer this though, even if they wanted to, due to various reasons. And not every person enjoys a gym workout either.

But there are so many things that could be offered instead… and I would like to put forward some ideas (in no particular order)…

Walking meetings:

A walking meeting not only gets you active, but you will be more alert. Being outdoors and/or exercising has been proven to get creativity and ideas flowing at the same time, so you may find yourself having much more productive meetings. Whether it’s along the long corridors, or outside in the fresh air, you will find that a small meeting between a couple or a few people can be held perfectly well this way.

Furniture:

Have you ever thought about the choice of furniture in the workplace? We all sit at desks all day slouched over a keyboard and phone, which leads to poor posture, aches and pains, stiffness, poor circulation, tension, and tiredness. Standing desks are designed so that you can set them to the right height for you to stand at to work. Standing up for longer helps to activate all your muscles, especially the core and legs. It promotes better posture, blood circulation, energy burning – eg. burning more calories so you’re not sat there unmoving putting on the weight, and keeps you more alert. Buoys are also great to use as seats if you do want to continue sitting. They are stools that wobble around on a round base. This ensures you are engaging your core muscles, promotes better posture, keeps you alert, improves balance and proprioception, and is burning more calories as you will be constantly adjusting your position so that you don’t fall off (until you get used to sitting on one!). Their height can be altered as necessary, and they are much more fun to sit on.

Meditation:

Ten minutes of meditation is all it takes to clear your mind and boost your creativity and productivity. You can do this sat at your desk, or in a quiet space, before, during or after work. Why not set a time each day for the office to have a 10-minute meditation session? Or have the company set up a quiet room, where people can go for a short while when they feel stressed or have hit a mental block, to do a short meditation to rejuvenate themselves. All you need are a few comfortable chairs in a dim, warm, quiet room. Participate in a corporate workshop – so everyone knows how to meditate, when and why to do it. A non-religious, non-guru, scientific based mindful meditation practice can be suitable for everybody.

Breathing:

Using breathing exercises can also improve your focus and productivity. By using the right exercise at the right time, you can energise yourself, release tension, clear the mind, relax the nerves before a presentation, feel more alert, or just ease a bit of stress. Not only can you and your colleagues use breathing at work, but you may like to try some exercises in the morning and evening to help optimise your own health.

Desk-based exercise and stretching:

There are so many quick and simple exercises and stretches that can be performed whilst you’re working. You don’t even have to leave your desk, or get changed, or don the trainers. 5-minute desk workouts can be really effective. Your posture will improve, and you will feel less aches and pains. Blood flow will be stimulated, and metabolism boosted. You’re likely to suddenly get fresh ideas and clarity on what you’re working on too. Exercise has the same dopamine effect as eating or looking at your phone – so try to do a few stretches instead next time you get a little weary or feel a bit tense and achy, rather than reach for food (calories) or social media (stress).

Walking:

Take a walk at breaks and lunchtime. A quick burst of fresh air and some exercise can really help to stimulate the brain. Burn some calories, tone some muscles, get the heart and lungs working, then come back refreshed and ready to do some effective work. Being outdoors is great for reducing depression and stress. The natural light will keep you from feeling tired.

Team challenges:

Set up weekly or monthly health and fitness challenges. Compete against workmates or departments, or even other businesses, in simple tasks that will boost your fitness, health, and well-being. Make it more fun by awarding small prizes or champion of the month status. Vary the challenges so that there is always something for everybody to work at. By making activities fun and achievable you can also learn a lot, and having more knowledge makes it easier to adopt healthier habits. Working with everyone else gives you support and motivation to achieve the goals.

Fitness classes:

You could hire an exercise instructor to come in to run a fitness class before or after work, or even at lunchtime, depending on the type of class. A class before work will wake you up and energise you for the day ahead, clearing your mind ready to be productive. A class after work will help you to wind down and forget about the pressures of that day, giving you energy to enjoy the rest of your evening. You may have one class or more a week, or opt for different classes on different days. There are so many types of class available, and most instructors would be happy to run one for you.

Environment:

Promoting a healthy environment can be a simple way of encouraging everybody to take on healthier habits. There should be fresh air, natural or bright light, and a cool but not cold temperature. Water stations and fresh fruit and vegetable should be placed where they are easy to access. Vending machines should provide healthier snacks. Steps should be encouraged – taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking to the printer or copier. Artwork on the walls should be joyful and inspiring. Magazines in the break room could be based on healthier and fitter topics. A general atmosphere of motivation, support and encouragement should be the norm – how people talk to each other, posters, memos, etc.

If any of the above have sparked your interest and you feel this could be the way forward for you and/or your company – get in touch to see how I can help you take the right steps to making the necessary changes and get things going in a better direction. Put your ideas forward to your bosses and colleagues.

Make the change today! What are you waiting for?

I can offer workshops, or general advice and support for individuals or businesses. Have a look on my website or send me an email to find out more. Speak soon.

www.gemmataylorhealthfitness.co.uk

gemma@gemmataylorhealthfitness.co.uk