|
Is Your Workplace Healthy
October 22 2007
Tips to Build and Maintain a Healthy Working Environment
TORONTO The health of your workplace is critical to your overall health, so Shepell·fgi is reminding you to take a look at your "home away from home" for Healthy Workplace Week.
"Think of how much time you spend working in a week," says Shepell·fgis CEO Rod Phillips. "Most people pay far more attention to the health of their home environment versus the place where they spend most of their days. If its not a healthy, comfortable environment with a positive culture, youre going to start feeling the adverse effects."
"A lot of this might seem to be common sense, but they are important things we find people need to be reminded of," says Karen Seward, Senior Vice President of Business Developing and Marketing. "As we move towards less sunshine and more time indoors, its important to remember to take care of yourself."
Clean your space
If you have an unclean workspace, it becomes less comfortable for you and can invite unwanted guests such as disease carrying critters, like mice. Wash your hands often with hot soapy water, especially after using the washroom and before eating. This is also especially important as we approach cold and flu season. If you feel a sneeze coming on, try to aim for the crook of your elbow instead of your hands.
Dont treat your equipment better than your colleagues
You spend hours de-fragging your computer, ensuring all the office gizmos are maintained - but how are your colleagues? Working in an emotionally unhealthy environment is just as hazardous to your health as an unclean environment. Develop and implement strategies to ensure your office is able to practice work-life balance and that the environment is positive and healthy.
Are you sitting comfortably?
Is your chair the right height? Is your keyboard too low? If you spend a lot of time doing desk work and your space is not ergonomically right for you, it can cause joint and muscle pain and over time create a chronic condition, like carpel tunnel syndrome.
Let there be light
Seasonal Affectation Disorder, or SAD, is a real physical symptom of sunlight withdrawal that can make you feel horrible. Look for symptoms of depression, of not being interested in regular activities or a very blue state. There is treatment for SAD including small UV lights.
"Keeping these simple things in mind can help you all year round," adds Seward. "These tips can keep you and your team well and working through the winter."
For more information, please contact:
Rosalind Robertson
Media Relations Manager, Shepell·fgi
rrobertson@shepellfgi.com
(416) 355-5491
About Shepell·fgi
Shepell·fgi is Canadas leading provider of workplace health services, including prevention-focused Employee Assistance Programs. The company services over six million employees and their families across Canada, the United States and internationally. Shepell·fgi helps organizations maintain healthy employees and healthy workplaces.
Click here for our summarized profile
|
