Staying healthy in the workplace - Top tips from our Employment Advisors

Top tips for staying well in the workplace

• Taking regular breaks is really important. We can become engrossed with the work we are doing. It is easy to feel so overwhelmed by things that we just forget to step away from the screen/activity. Set yourself a reminder every hour to get up, even just for a five-minute water break and a stretch. Make sure you are taking a lunch break. This will give you a few moments to collect your thoughts ready for the next hour or so.
• When we have a busy working environment and job role, it is easy to feel obliged to work extra hours. It is okay to say no in a polite but firm way. If you can’t fit a task into your normal working hours, it's okay to explain this to a manager/supervisor. You can always offer to pick it up at an alternative time if you have the availability. Open conversations about workload can be really helpful, for you and your employer.
• Connect with people at work. Our interactions at work can make a big difference to how we feel about work, each other and being part of a team. Make the effort to phone colleagues or talk to them in person. It's easy to get into the habit of only emailing people.
• Be active at work if you are able to do so. Where possible, you could walk to work or get off the bus at the stop before yours. You could also take the stairs instead of the lift. Getting up can help give you a break from your work and help you to interact with the team.
• Keep learning and expanding your knowledge and skill set, and set targets for things to learn. If there is no training programme, see if you can find something suitable online or suggest ideas to your manager.
• Create a comfortable working environment. Make sure that your workstation is set up to maximise your comfort, including supporting your posture. Be mindful of lighting, temperature, ventilation, and controlling noise. Use minor adjustments where you can to make your workplace calmer.