Whether logging in from home or an office with limited capacity, the way in which we work has changed. More people are indoors, sitting and staring at a screen for a majority of the day making it hard to prioritize their own well-being.
Below are a few measures companies and employees can take to start implementing healthy habits in their workplaces.
Overcoming Zoom fatigue
Video chat platforms have allowed employees to connect with colleagues, clients and customers and in some ways have increased productivity. However, the current volume of video calls can be draining and tiring both mentally and physically.
In a recent study by Stanford University, researchers found four main causes to video chat fatigue in humans: excessive amounts of close-up eye contact, seeing yourself in real-time, lack of mobility and an increased cognitive load. Some solutions researchers offered to help ease some of the extra stress included:
- Reducing the window size while videoconferencing to reduce the size of speaker faces
- Using external tools like keyboards and mice to allow for more mobility and flexibility while communicating
- Hiding self-view and allowing “audio only” breaks to alleviate the pressure of using so much body language and gestures to make up for the lack of physical connection
The research study also created a Zoom Exhaustion & Fatigue Scale (ZEF), which can help businesses leaders and companies assess how much fatigue their employees are experiencing on a day-to-day basis.
Prioritizing movement throughout the day
There’s growing research that shows physical activity can help performance. Movement stimulates the mind and encourages cognitive thinking. Incorporating things like 15-minute stretch breaks or lunchtime walks are great steps to incorporate healthy habits in your work routine.
Here a few workplace stretches to add into your next busy day:
1. Stretch your hips and spine (90/90 rotation)
Believe it or not, your shoulders hold a lot of stress. Relieve some of the tension in your shoulders, low back and hips with this stretch to help improve posture and restore energy levels.
2. Stretch your upper back and shoulders (pectoral stretch)
Sitting in a chair can often lead to slumped shoulders. Use this stretch to roll those shoulders back into place and practice proper posture.
Want to learn the remaining three healthy habits to improve your office health? Read more on buildingkentucky.com
