Photo by George Pagan III on Unsplash
When you think of dangerous jobs, you probably think of the construction sector. The building industry puts site-based individuals at risk of falls, electrocution, and being hit by heavy objects – these are some of the most common injuries on a site. However, what you may not realize is that desk jobs can be a source of dangers too.
Indeed, desk jobs are unhealthy. Sitting for an extensive period of time can contribute to chronic pain and the development of muscular disorders, obesity, and diabetes. Additionally, the indoor air quality exposes employees to a variety of gases and chemicals, making the air inside the office dirtier than the air outside. Desk workers are also more likely to work overtime, staring at a screen for 10 to 12 hours a day, which affects their eyesight, circadian rhythm, and fatigue levels. For offices, it’s time to make health a priority. But how can the workplace cancel the risks of desk jobs? The answer is simple: A regular fitness routine can address many desk health threats.
Create a sports team
Many employees spend so much time at work that they can find it hard to schedule any extra-professional activities. Ultimately, in a world where the workplace is making people sick, it should be the employer’s responsibility to create a healthy path for the team. Introducing sports teams with branded embroidery on sportswear can give a lot of hard-worker professionals the opportunity to join regular activities without the hassle of finding a gym or a local team outside of the office.
Encourage sports incentives
Why aren’t people being active? The answer is simple. Because everything comes at a cost. Getting fit doesn’t come for free. However, offering gym discounts or financial support can make a huge difference. A cycle to work scheme, for instance, could reduce the financial burden of purchasing sports gear and equipment. Additionally, it’s a practical approach to reducing air pollution and improving your team’s health and mood.
Have a gym charity challenge
After a long day at work, a lot of people can’t think of any better way of spending the evening than by sitting on the sofa and watching TV. The truth is that it’s hard to get motivated to stay active. However, you can introduce purposeful exercises. Why not encourage the team to get fit to support a charity? You could suggest a virtual run, for instance, tracking treadmill distances to map the route around the world. You can share your team’s progress on a donation page. It’s a great idea to help people in need while keeping your team fit and active. Some companies also choose to purchase sports equipment, such as a rowing machine or a treadmill, to keep track of the distance more easily. But you can ask your employees to wear a fitness tracker instead!
Photo by Trust "Tru" Katsande on Unsplash
Have a gym area at work
Not every company can afford to create a gym studio. However, the addition of an active corner to the breaking room can help change the team’s attitude toward fitness. You could add a yoga mat and some handy posture cards, for example.
Desk jobs are among the most frequent causes of premature death, as they encourage the development of illnesses. Unfortunately, we can’t create a desk-less workplace, despite the popularity of standing desks and ergonomic settings. Workplaces, however, can help make fitness a lifestyle priority for their busy teams. Ultimately, it makes sense to encourage physical activities at a business level.