Offering on-site health and wellness programs are proving to be a winning strategy for companies in New York City, one that benefits both employees and employers. Also commonly referred to as corporate wellness, workplace wellness, or employee wellness programs, these on-site health options are a win–win for everyone. On-site company health and wellness programs, like what we offer through Synergy Wellness Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, not only promote the general welfare and health of your current staff it can also give your company a competitive edge when it comes to the recruiting and retaining of high-quality employees.
The standing desk is gaining in popularity. Is getting one the best option for you?
Without a doubt, there are numerous negative effects of regular, prolonged sitting. Over time, these negative effects can even cause cascading health issues. If you spend the majority of your day sitting at a desk, you are probably very familiar with a few of them. But there are some that may surprise you. Take a look at this list. Read More “Is a standing desk for you?”
Should you have a standing desk or traditional desk? When should you sit, and when should you stand?
Without a doubt, there are numerous negative effects of regular, prolonged sitting. Over time, these negative effects can even cause cascading health issues. If you spend the majority of your day sitting at a desk, you are probably very familiar with a few of them. But there are many that may surprise you.
Take a look at this list. Read More “Standing desk or traditional desk?”
Ergonomics in the office doesn’t have to look like a workplace full of space-age furniture and strenuous stretching routines. It can be as simple as adjustable chairs and microbreaks.
Back and neck pain are commonly reported workplace injuries, and not just from bad lifting. Seemingly benign activities such as sitting in an office chair for too long can cause problems. Workers who spend large amounts of time sitting at desks benefit from applying simple ergonomic principles in their work environment. Doing so can help avoid work-related injury and pain. Corporate wellness programs like the ones offered through Synergy Wellness have been shown to reduce lost work time due to illness and injury.
Merriam-Webster defines ergonomics as “An applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely.” In a typical office environment, this simply means the workspace and tools are designed or laid out to reduce stresses on the body. Facilitating a healthy work environment and habits reduces health-related productivity loss. The proper chair can help maintain a healthy posture. An ergonomic keyboard can reduce the risk of carpal tunnel. In essence, the tools conform to the needs of the worker instead of the worker conforming to fit the tools. With that in mind, let’s discuss how a focus on proper ergonomics in the workplace can reduce common health complaints of office workers and increase their overall health, well-being, and productivity.
Knowing how and when injuries in the workplace occur is the first step to accessing the work environment for risk factors.
Once these factors are identified, they can be systematically addressed. A corporate wellness plan with Dr. Dave through Synergy Wellness can help you with a customized risk assessment for your workplace.
Desk workers and anyone else who spends most of their day sitting are at risk for back injuries. Introducing good ergonomics can minimize this risk.
Here are some of the most common problems associated with poor office ergonomics:
Or it can be caused by sudden or unexpected events:
The human body isn’t made to stay in one position for too long. Maintaining one position for prolonged periods of time reduces tissue elasticity in tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Overreaching, twisting, and repetitive motions put strain on a limited area. This causes physical stress that leads to discomfort and pain. There are a number of things you can do to correct possible problem areas.
Maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle is always a good place to start no matter what. It’s not enough, however, to combat all the stress put on a body during the course of a typical office workday.
Get up and move. Take regular microbreaks throughout the day to break up the monotony. Alternate standing and sitting activities. Implement a variety of stretching techniques to use throughout your day.
Evaluate your workstation setup. Slouching and poor posture are the bane of the office worker’s back. Choose a chair that properly supports the lumbar region, and set the height to keep your feet flat on the floor and your legs parallel. Make sure your arms hang comfortably and your elbows rest at about a 90-degree angle. You will also want to adjust your keyboard and monitor to fit with the chair height or use an elevated footrest. Keeping your arms and wrists in a comfortable and aligned position will reduce strain in this area. The Mouse Trap is a good exercise to help alleviate the stress put on the right shoulder from the use of a computer mouse.
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Chiropractic care involves more than just spinal adjustments. Incorporating regular chiropractic checkups can catch current work-related problems before they get worse and avoid future issues. Our highly skilled and experienced massage therapists provide massage therapy to reduce stress, tension, and fatigue right in our office.
Start a Corporate Wellness Program. If your company does not offer a corporate wellness program, I highly suggest you request or start one. While many times seen as just an extra add on, these programs actually offer extensive benefits to both the employees and the company. A well implemented wellness program not only addresses injury and sickness prevention but also includes management of current health issues. Some of the more prominent benefits of these programs include but are not limited to the following:
Visit our website for information on the benefits of a wellness program through Synergy Wellness.
Register here for a Free Digital Ergonomics Assessment
If you are suffering from problems due to poor ergonomics in your workspace or want to start a wellness program for your company, don’t wait. Contact Dr. Dave today!