The workplace is a bundle of health hazards and more times than not, it’s up to you to identify them and take alternative measures to avoid them.
We are going to help guide you through some of these hidden health hazards and share our tips and tricks on how you can avoid them.
1. Germs
With the number of people generally working in an office building, you are constantly surrounded by people that although may not appear sick, could be carrying viral illnesses such as the flu. Amongst these people, there may be a good majority that have children at home, that go to school and pick up the virus and bring it home to the household. Those parents will then carry it with them to the office.
These viruses can remain in someone’s system without ever showing any signs or symptoms of illness. They can also stay dormant on surfaces for long periods of time until picked up by a host that comes in contact. This is why you are constantly reminded to wash your hands! Working in an office means you are at high risk of catching these viruses on a daily basis, so taking actions to reduce your risks are a great way to remain in good health.
Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe. This includes the computers, keyboards, telephones, and even desktops. All places where bacteria and viruses love to hang out! Another way to avoid germs is to keep hand sanitizer on your desk at all times.
2. Exercise Ball Chairs
As the perils of sitting are becoming more well known, people are now exploring new ways to work and trying to find “healthier” ways to sit. Alternative solutions such as exercise ball chairs and standing desks were introduced in the absence of sound research and can actually cause more harm than good. While the exercise ball does actively engage your core and allow movement, it does not provide adequate support for our bodies. In fact, most people who sit on an exercise ball are unable to adequately maintain an optimal sitting posture for longer than 5 minutes and end up slumped over their desk.
How to avoid the exercise ball chair?
Find a healthier alternative, such as an active sitting chair, one that combines freedom of movement with optimal postural support.
Our favourite alternative is the CoreChair (obviously)! The CoreChair is truly a unique, healthy active sitting solution that is backed by sound research and continues to be validated by healthcare professionals. Its one-of-a-kind design encourages movement in all directions to 14 degrees; enhancing joint mobilization of the hips, pelvis, and spine; increasing blood flow, circulation, and calorie expenditure. Check out the core design here.
Tip: If you are using a standing desk, make sure you take regular sitting breaks. Standing all day can be just as harmful as sitting. Try pairing your standing desk with an active sitting chair and rotate between the two!
3. Stress
Stress plays a huge factor in your overall health and can have a significant impact on your quality of life. Studies have found that stress can lead to various different health conditions including depression, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more. Stress is one major health hazard that just cannot be ignored.
How to avoid it?
While avoiding stress is almost impossible, there are many ways you can help manage it.
Our favourite way to help manage stress is to never skip your lunch break! This is the time to take your mind off of your work and refocus your thoughts.
If you have a hard time turning your brain off from “work-mode,” ask a co-worker to spend lunch with you. This way, you have someone to talk to, lift your spirits, and keep your mind from wandering.
