Productivity

Smokers can be a real drag on your staff.

Not only do they miss more work due to illness, but they’re more likely to engage in “presenteeism,” which is a word coined to describe the act of coming to work sick (and therefore being less productive than they would be otherwise).

You probably already have a nonsmoking … Continue Reading »

Monday mornings can be tough enough without having a forced weekly reunion with your allergy symptoms the moment you walk in the door at the office.

That’s how it is for the millions of allergy sufferers whose triggers lurk at work.

And if they’ve managed to create a relatively allergy-free zone in their homes, the rude awakening … Continue Reading »

Nothing can suck the well of productivity dry quite as quickly or completely as fatigue.

Workers who are mentally, emotionally, or physically drained tend to become drains themselves: on your company’s checkbook. Because they struggle to remain alert and focused on the job, the quality and quantity of their work is likely to suffer.

Not only that, … Continue Reading »

Working behind a desk can be as taxing on the body as manual labor … without the physical benefits to balance it out.

The aches and pains caused by sitting too long (and often the wrong way) at a desk translate to minor distractions at best, chronic medical conditions at worst.

And regardless of severity, they’re sure … Continue Reading »

Sleepy workers are a drain on productivity, but the consequences of sleep deprivation can be far more serious.

Whether sleep problems arise due to shift work disorder, stress, a medical problem, or some other cause, no employer can afford to ignore the issue.

That’s because the risk of errors, accidents, and injuries increases dramatically when your employees … Continue Reading »

How do you get your employees to snack healthy when high-calorie temptations lurk just a few steps away?

Short of putting a “keep away” sign on the vending machine and banning doughnuts in the break room, there’s not much you can do to force the issue.

That doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.

Do your part by … Continue Reading »

What’s making your employees fat? Is it too little exercise? Too many calories? Their jobs?

Odds are, especially if your staff is composed of desk workers, it’s a combination of those factors.

Working behind a desk all day allows little in the way of physical activity, and many people don’t make a conscious effort to remedy their … Continue Reading »

You spend lots of time and effort trying to create an environment focused on workplace wellness, and we commend you for a job well done!

But, in case your plate isn’t quite overflowing just yet, there’s one potentially overlooked aspect of a healthy office environment that’s right at your (and your employees’) fingertips.

We’re talking about ergonomics, … Continue Reading »

When colds and flu start making their yearly rounds, productivity can become even more of a concern than usual.

Employees who call in sick are helping prevent the spread of illness, but leaving fewer to get the work done.

Sick workers who tough it out and come into the office, on the other hand, risk infecting … Continue Reading »

New year, new you. It’s more than just an expression. With a little motivation and a dose of dedication, it can be reality for you and your staff members.

In the spirit of workplace wellness, encourage your workers to get a fresh start in 2011. A good way to start is by finishing up unfinished business … Continue Reading »