Five golden mantras for corporate employees to stay healthy at work

Authored by Gautam Kumar, CHRO & Director of People Experience, SKF India.

Unlike those who have hybrid set-ups, the nine hours job cycle of corporate employees ends upbeing almost 12 hours, when combined with daily commute. But this shouldn’t mean that they neglect their health. Employees should constantly listen to their body’s needs and respond accordingly. Here are some ways for corporate employees to stay healthy and how corporates can contribute to shaping the lifestyle:

Sound mental health

Mental wellbeing is as important as physical wellbeing. Employees should always try and get the necessary downtime to prevent work related stress from taking over their lives. Companies should create an environment where employees are encouraged to raise their hand and speak up if they are struggling. Regular awareness sessions should be provided by companies so that employees are able to spot the tell-tale signs of weak mental health in their colleagues and offer support wherever they can. Companies must introduce newer ways for employees to strike the right work-life balance such as comprehensive wellbeing policies which helps identify employees showing stress related symptoms and take necessary actions.

Smart work spaces

Sitting for long hours and working on the laptops leads to poor spinal health and body posture. To avoid such issues and to remain active at work, employees should find opportunities to get up from their seats at regular intervals. Companies are also developing smart and ergonomic work spaces, which includes flexible and standing desks, reclining and lumbar support chairs, among others.

Measured calorie intake

In some cases when employees are handling multiple projects, they excessively rely on processed food and beverages to manage their appetite. In the long term, this might lead to several health challenges, including obesity. Awareness sessions on healthy eating habits can help employees to be mindful of their health requirements. Companies, too, are introducing healthier food and beverage options on campus to reduce their workforce’s reliance on fast food.

Corporate fitness programs

Regular exercise keeps employees more energised and motivated when they are at work. Employees who are well rested display improved brain function and tend to perform better. They also get to interact with each other in a setting apart from work and have conversations they may not have had otherwise in the office. Many companies have set up work out facilities to encourage fitness amongst employees.

Be accountable to self

Adopting a healthier lifestyle is ultimately an individual decision that can have a long-term impact and lead to an improved quality of life.To that end, every employee should always remember that their body is the best judge of their physical and mental capability and carefully make the right lifestyle choices.

Fitness, mental and physical, is a crucial part of our lives and one that determines our contribution to not just our employer, but to our families, our society, and our nation at large. As responsible individuals, we should be making informed decisions, leverage tools and resources at our disposal to monitor and maintain our health and shouldn’t shy away from helping those in need.