Get a Handle on Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common workplace maladies effecting productivity, resulting in millions of lost workdays each year—18 million of them due to migraines alone. And although it’s true that many factors beyond your control can contribute to employees’ headaches, such as skimping on sleep, skipping meals or simply being prone to headaches, you can address the following factors in the workplace to help prevent them:

Keep it comfortable. Check for noise levels and temperature settings. If noise is a problem, consult your building’s maintenance department or engineer to see about noise reduction measures.

Practice good ergonomics. Make sure workstations are modified to suit individual employees’ needs in order to prevent over-reaching, twisting or bad posture. For example, each person’s desk and chair should be adjusted so that his or her eyes are level with the top of the computer screen.

Watch the glare factor. Make sure that light from windows or fixtures is not directly hitting computer screens and causing glare, or use glare filters that attach to screens. Encourage employees to adjust fonts and brightness on their computer screens to minimize eyestrain.

Clear the air. Make sure there is excellent ventilation if your work environment includes the presence of strong chemicals or odors that can trigger migraines. Keep employees sensitive to the fact that wearing strong perfume or cologne may trigger headaches for others.

Bring in a bubbler. Dehydration can contribute to headaches. Having a water cooler handy can help employees stay hydrated.

Encourage breaks. Persisting at one task for too long can trigger a tension headache. Make sure employees are taking breaks to get up and move about.

These tips will not only help prevent headaches, they can also help reduce stress in your workplace. That’s a bonus for everyone.

For more information, visit the National Library of Medicine online resources or the National Headache Foundation web site.

Personal Best® offers a wide selection of products on office ergonomics and workplace safety, including posters, brochures, newsletters, and tabletop posters. These information-packed resources provide practical, actionable advice and can be easilyand cost-effectively added to any wellness program.