What Ails Us At Work?
The modern-day workplace - and the daily workday - is a ticking time bomb for an outburst of ill health. Neurologist Dr Satish Jain, who has been counselling on workplace health, gives us his diagnosis - and prescription.
Published: Fri 28 Aug 2015, 12:00 AM
Last updated: Fri 4 Sep 2015, 11:15 AM
The top five medical issues that today's working professionals may suffer from if sufficient safeguards aren't taken?
Healthy people at work make healthy profits for the organisation. However, the daily work schedule and environmental conditions that we are exposed to can cause long-term effects on our health. These risks can be prevented to a large extent by taking some simple preventive steps.
The most common health problems associated with a sedentary workplace environment are:
- Backache and other ergonomic injuries
- Eye strains and headaches
- Bacterial and viral infections, communicable diseases
- Stress-related outbursts and sleep disturbances
- Long periods of physical inactivity that increase the risk of developing heart diseases, hypertension and diabetes.
The workplace is getting increasingly competitive: employees have to put in more and more hours to stay ahead in the race these days (the same goes for those running their own businesses). How can one take necessary precautions while not compromising on work?
Staying healthy and safe is important. A few simple steps that can easily be included in one's daily routine are:
Maintain proper posture while working. Avoid stooping or twisting. One easy way of staying safe is by rearranging your work area so that everything you need is within reach. Use ergonomically designed furniture wherever possible.
Easier said that done, but try and reduce workplace stress that is accrued due to long work hours and conflicts with colleagues. Stress will invariably lead to depression, sleep deprivation and problems with concentration. Try and work in a smart manner, and talk things through with your colleagues in case of a conflict.
Take frequent short breaks and walk around. Interact with colleagues as often as possible; other than improving interpersonal skills, it will also ensure you walk around and get some exercise.
Ensure proper lighting in and around your work station. This is very important so you do not suffer from eye strains and headaches
Maintain hygeine and cleanliness. This will help ward off common, communicable infections. Keep a hand sanitiser next to you at all times, and use it.
Eat healthy, don't succumb to the tempation of ordering in; drink lots of water; avoid drinking too many cups of tea and/or coffee (drink green tea instead).
Whenever possible, try and schedule the most difficult tasks of the day for a time when your level of concentration is at its peak. For instance, schedule important meetings at the beginning of the day if you are a morning person.
Ensure you take vacations in order to relax and spend time with family and friends. While on vacation, try and switch off from work mode.
Talk over any concerns you may have at work. Keep your human resources manager in the loop about any potential hazards and risks you (or your team) may be encountering at the workplace. Your employer is legally obliged to ensure a safe working environment.
How can employers take care of their employees' health - without spending too much money?
There's a saying: "Take care of your employees and they will take care of you". It's obviously a win-win situation for both parties! Here are a few suggestions:
Employers should maintain a hygienic work environment for employees - who are likely to be more productive in an organised and clean surrounding instead of a cluttered, dirty one.
They should ensure that employees have well-lit, ventilated workstations with work-friendly furniture and a proper lunch/break room.
Employers should organise periodic medical checkups and adult immunisation drives. Health education modules must be arranged at work.
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