Did you know that almost 86 percent of Americans sit for an average of 9.3 hours a day? That’s more time than we spend sleeping. Most of us sit on the way to work, all day at work, and on the commute home. And by the time we do reach home, all we want to do is plop on the couch for more sitting. Research has shown that sitting for extended periods of time can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and stress-related injuries. So what can you do?
Many workplaces have started offering wellness programs as a way to help employees feel good and stay healthy. Even if your workplace doesn’t offer a formal program, there are immediate steps you can take to improve overall wellness.
Schedule walking meetings.
If you’re meeting with one or two other colleagues, take it outdoors. There are many benefits to walking meetings. Physical activity promotes health and energy, a change of scenery boosts creativity, and stepping away from a stressful environment can lead to better communication.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park farther away from the office and take the stairs to increase your number of steps for the day. If you’re feeling extra motivated, start a challenge with your coworkers and see who can get the most steps every day.
Bring healthier options to potlucks.
If your workplace is having a potluck, bring a healthy option. Go for brown rice instead of white, fresh greens instead of a casserole dish, or fruit salad instead of dessert. You don’t have to restrict yourself to only healthy food, but swapping in a few good choices can keep you feeling full and alert instead of bloated and tired.
Keep your desk stocked with healthy snacks.
It’ll be much easier to pass on the potato chips in the break room if you have something healthy and delicious to snack on instead. Try dried fruit, nuts, or a protein bar. The trick is to pick a few items that require minimal effort for you to prepare and will hit the spot when those sweet/savory cravings kick in.
Bring your own lunch from home.
Restaurants often add higher amounts of fat, salt, sugar, and MSG than you would ever dream of adding to your meal. Cooking at home will allow you to control exactly what you’re eating. And your wallet will thank you, too.
Team up with coworkers.
Worried home lunch will put a damper on your office social life? It doesn’t have to. Team up with coworkers to share healthy meals and exercise. Maybe on Mondays, you can bring a healthy lunch to share, and on Wednesdays, your coworker can make something. With the extra time you have after your meal, go for a walk.
Corporate wellness is a hit at ALTRES
One of the most effective ways to stay on track is to make it a company-wide initiative. Here at ALTRES, wellness is part of the culture, thanks to an employee-led initiative that arose in 2014. We now have many wellness options as part of the standard benefits package.
One of the most popular perks is our company gym where employees can work out before, during, or after work. An onsite corporate trainer offers personal and group fitness classes and nutrition education. Pretty cool right?
If ALTRES sounds like a great place to work and you’re interested in joining our team, check out our in-house job board to see if any position could be a great fit for you!
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
Did you know that almost 86 percent of Americans sit for an average of 9.3 hours a day? That’s more time than we spend sleeping. Most of us sit on the way to work, all day at work, and on the commute home. And by the time we do reach home, all we want to do is plop on the couch for more sitting. Research has shown that sitting for extended periods of time can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, and stress-related injuries. So what can you do?
Many workplaces have started offering wellness programs as a way to help employees feel good and stay healthy. Even if your workplace doesn’t offer a formal program, there are immediate steps you can take to improve overall wellness.
Schedule walking meetings.
If you’re meeting with one or two other colleagues, take it outdoors. There are many benefits to walking meetings. Physical activity promotes health and energy, a change of scenery boosts creativity, and stepping away from a stressful environment can lead to better communication.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park farther away from the office and take the stairs to increase your number of steps for the day. If you’re feeling extra motivated, start a challenge with your coworkers and see who can get the most steps every day.
Bring healthier options to potlucks.
If your workplace is having a potluck, bring a healthy option. Go for brown rice instead of white, fresh greens instead of a casserole dish, or fruit salad instead of dessert. You don’t have to restrict yourself to only healthy food, but swapping in a few good choices can keep you feeling full and alert instead of bloated and tired.
Keep your desk stocked with healthy snacks.
It’ll be much easier to pass on the potato chips in the break room if you have something healthy and delicious to snack on instead. Try dried fruit, nuts, or a protein bar. The trick is to pick a few items that require minimal effort for you to prepare and will hit the spot when those sweet/savory cravings kick in.
Bring your own lunch from home.
Restaurants often add higher amounts of fat, salt, sugar, and MSG than you would ever dream of adding to your meal. Cooking at home will allow you to control exactly what you’re eating. And your wallet will thank you, too.
Team up with coworkers.
Worried home lunch will put a damper on your office social life? It doesn’t have to. Team up with coworkers to share healthy meals and exercise. Maybe on Mondays, you can bring a healthy lunch to share, and on Wednesdays, your coworker can make something. With the extra time you have after your meal, go for a walk.
Corporate wellness is a hit at ALTRES
One of the most effective ways to stay on track is to make it a company-wide initiative. Here at ALTRES, wellness is part of the culture, thanks to an employee-led initiative that arose in 2014. We now have many wellness options as part of the standard benefits package.
One of the most popular perks is our company gym where employees can work out before, during, or after work. An onsite corporate trainer offers personal and group fitness classes and nutrition education. Pretty cool right?
If ALTRES sounds like a great place to work and you’re interested in joining our team, check out our in-house job board to see if any position could be a great fit for you!
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.