But Richard Andrews, Managing Director of Inspiration Office, an Africa-wide office space and furniture consultancy, says the responsibility of managing staff health and wellbeing falls on both employer and employees.
“Often neither party knows how to get the most out of a working day.
“So we've put together this handy guide to help boost happiness, health and productivity, and achieve more each day:
Step away from the desk
No matter how fit you are, sitting for more than an hour at a time raises your risk of heart failure, diabetes and obesity. “We recommend taking at least a two-minute break from the desk every half-hour to stretch the legs, hydrate, get some natural light, and clear your thoughts,“ said Andrews.
Being active can improve output and work satisfaction by 80% according to the UK’s Business in the Community.
Test alternative meeting styles
Meetings that lack focus are a drain on productivity, time and motivation.
Said Andrews: ”Conducting a meeting while walking, standing or even exercising encourages employees to step away from their desks, inspires ideas and introduces exercise into a typically sedentary day," Methods such as this let you exercise, brainstorm, refresh and build relationships while being part of a meeting.
Fuel body and mind
The food that you eat has a real impact on your energy levels.
Sugary snacks and caffeinated drinks give you a spike in energy, but this is often followed by a crash where you feel more tired than before.
Berries, vegetables, nuts, wholegrain cereals, yoghurt and biltong are better than junky snacks. If you feel the need for something sweeter, a few squares of dark chocolate is a good compromise.
Choose perks wisely
An office games console and on-site bar may win you likes on Instagram, but it's important to consider about whether your work-space perks will benefit your staff in the long term.
“Rather than always spending funds on boozy nights out, introduce fresh fruit, flexible working, gym memberships or healthy away days,“ Andrews advised.
An interesting UK survey by Labour Force shows that 30.4 million working days were lost in Britain in 2015-2016 through sickness. Stress, depression and anxiety caused 11.7 million days to be lost, while musculoskeletal problems accounted for 8.8 million sick days. With such losses at stake, looking after staff health has to be a priority.
Being efficient at work helps staff to reach their targets and keeps clients happy.
“However, efficiency levels can fall when staff are stressed, constantly reaching to meet high expectations, lacking in confidence or under the weather. Maintaining a friendly atmosphere, having clearly defined roles, and setting realistic goals are essential for an efficient workspace, “Andrews said.
