Decrease Headaches in the Workplace

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), some 90% of workers said headaches affect their work performance, but only 33% report the discomfort to their employers.
In this study by the NHF, participants said they missed anywhere between one to three days a month due to headaches, and 86% said work-related headache issues have never been addressed at their place of employment.

If left unaddressed, this issue can really affect your company’s bottom line: Up to $17 billion in absenteeism, medical expenses, and lost productivity is attributed to headaches per year.

Share the following tips with employees to help stop headaches before they hinder job performance:

Identify between a headache and a migraine. To help determine how serious the condition is, and find the proper treatment, try using this quiz from the National Headache Foundation.

Track headaches. Download a free headache diary to help narrow down the triggers (stress, diet, lighting) that may be contributing to the problem.

Decrease florescent lighting. Try using a desk lamp, or seek a spot with natural light if possible.

Go non-glare. Staring at the computer screen for too long will make your head and eyes tired. Opt for a non-glare computer screen, and make it a habit to look away from your computer every 10 minutes or so to give your eyes a rest.

Try a Bluetooth. Balancing the phone on your shoulder causes poor posture, and may be contributing to headaches. A Bluetooth offers the freedom to multitask without having to check the phone, and also helps keep posture in check.

Reach for H2O. Dehydration can cause headaches before you feel thirsty, and in the winter, certain types of heat can dry out the office atmosphere which adds to the problem.

Keep medication handy. According to a report by the NHF, an over-the-counter headache medication containing aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine (like Excedrin) improves the ability to relieve pain by 40% or more.

Take a break from stressors with a walk. And don’t forget to swing your arms: The motion helps relax muscles in the shoulders and neck, which can help diminish a headache. Plus, low-impact exercise like walking will refresh your senses and help you focus on the next task.