Eat a Balanced Deskfast

Attention wellness coordinators: Recent research suggests employees will stay at their job longer, and decrease sick days, if they participate in a wellness program at work.

In a study from the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, participants involved in either moderate or intense weight management programs at work, decreased sick days from 3.9 days in 2006, to 3.4 days in 2007. And 45% of Americans polled said that they would stay at their jobs longer because of employer-sponsored wellness programs.

So what do employees want from a wellness program? Twenty-seven … read more »

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 3.7 million work-related injuries and illness in 2008.
While this number is alarming and represents substantial loss of workforce productivity, it’s the lowest number reported in five years.
Here’s the skinny: 1.1 million workers were hurt severely enough to require time off, which was down 7% from 2007. Ergonomic problem cases also dropped, but the most common injuries were strains and sprains (39%) and two out of five of these cases were back injuries.
Depending on the severity of the problem, back pain can seriously hinder … read more »

Is your workstation ergonomic-friendly?
The overall goal of office ergonomics is to create a workplace that allows your employees to do their job with limited potential for illness or injury.
Studies show when an office environment is set up properly, employees are less likely to experience eyestrain, neck and back pain, headaches, and other potential productivity killers that also drive up health care costs.
Help employees improve their workstation with the following tips:
Keep workstation tools (computer, keyboard, files, papers) within reach without having to lean, bend, or twist at the waist … read more »

Damaging behaviors like smoking, Internet overload, stress, and overall bad lifestyle choices can hinder productivity and drive up health care costs for your business.
Here are a few tips on how to help employees curb bad habits in the workplace:
Smoking. U.S. businesses are paying an estimated $3,391 extra per smoker per year in direct medical costs and lost productivity from smoking-related illnesses like cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic lower respiratory illnesses.
Try implementing a smoking cessation program in your office. Studies show that programs that last two weeks or longer are … read more »

February is American Heart Month.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, and a major cause of disability for employees. More than $432 billion a year in health care is spent on heart disease alone, according to the Triple Solution for a Healthier America.
Every 25 seconds, a coronary attack happens in the U.S. To help employees recognize the signs of a heart attack, tack up posters or send an e-mail with the following symptoms to look out for:
Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center … read more »