Full-time working Americans spend a lot of time at the office. In fact, CDC reports that this accounts for more than one-third of their day, five days per week. With this large amount of time being spent at work, it’s crucial to foster a healthy work environment for employees.
Germs Around the Office
Considering the large amount of time most Americans spend working and the number of people that they come in contact with, it’s no surprise that the office can be a dwelling for germs to quickly spread and get people sick. In fact, up to 80% of all infections are spread by contact with contaminated surfaces and from person to person by physical touch. Traveling bacteria can live on doorknobs, clothes, desks, and every nook and cranny in-between.
Surfaces in the office that are most often contaminated include:
- Telephones
- Elevator buttons
- Water Fountains
- Computer keyboards
- Vending machine buttons
- Microwave and refrigerator door handles
- Bathrooms
These are the surfaces that people touch without thinking twice. Bacteria can live on them without a host for several days and spread to anyone who comes in contact.
Washing your hands multiple times per day will help stop the spread of germs. Disinfecting work areas and using hand sanitizer will also diminish the number of bacteria circulating around the office.
Employee Physical Health
The simplest tip to staying physically healthy on the job is to make sure you get enough rest, sleep, and exercise. A healthy body will fight off illnesses effectively and efficiently.
The Mayo Clinic lists some ways to add activity to your workday:
- Walk or bike to work if possible. If you drive, park at the far end of the lot.
- Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
- Stand up and work. Try out a standing desk!
- Take fitness breaks. If a gym isn’t close by, go on a brisk walk, hike up a few flights of stairs or just stretch.
- Trade your desk chair for a fitness ball. This will improve balance and strengthen your core while working.
- Keep fitness gear at work.
- Conduct meetings on the go.
Physical health is also dependent on what you put into your body. When a workplace can help its employees make wise food choices, it can influence their long-term health and wellness. Instead of sweets, keep fruits and vegetables available for employees to snack on. Satisfy your thirst with water instead of soft drinks or other sugary beverages.
Together, a healthy, active lifestyle can lead to
- Reduced risk of sickness
- Elevated mood, energy, and self-esteem
- Less stress and anxiety
These tips will help the office be a place where employees are happy and healthy!
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