Get a Handle on Headaches

May 10, 2010
Written by: Julie Bosche, Filed in: Employee Health Programs

An aching, throbbing, pounding head can quickly derail your day, and the workplace is often ground zero for headaches waiting to happen.

Common headache triggers abound in the average office environment. Causes of ordinary headaches include eye strain from staring at a computer screen or harsh or inadequate lighting, tension, stress, bad posture, caffeine, dehydration, and strong scents.

Chances are your office harbors at least some of these culprits, and that your employees are suffering the effects.

And that means when in the throes of a headache, they’re likely not able to work to their full potential. The discomfort and distraction that define and accompany the average headache make it hard to focus on job responsibilities, much less perform well.

Advise your staff to consult a doctor about frequent or severe headaches, and follow his or her advice. It’s helpful to have a pain management plan in place when a headache strikes during the workday.

Take approved pain medication with plenty of water (in case dehydration plays a part) at the first sign of a headache, and put stressors on hold until you feel better.

Share these headache prevention tips with your employees:

Get stress under control. If you’re overwhelmed by your workload or responsibilities, talk freely with management to try to come up with a solution that will ease the burden.

Keep a headache diary. Log your triggers and the specifics of your headaches to share with your doctor and to give you an idea of what to avoid in the future.

Exercise regularly. As if you needed one more reason to get moving, a physical fitness routine can help alleviate your headaches.

Think comfort and ergonomics. Set up your workstation in a way that encourages proper posture. Stretch often, and adjust the lighting if possible (use a desk lamp, or adjust your screen to cut glare on your computer monitor).