WORDS
SARAH IVORY
PHOTOGRAPHY
CREDIT TO GO HERE PLEASE
fun Guinness World Record and Amazing
Race-style team challenges around
Australia. A worthy investment for the
company? We reckon so.3
WORKMATES TO
CLASSMATES
Aussie workers take an average of 9.5 days
off due to sick leave each year, with common
complaints being neck, back and muscle
pain, which could likely be avoided by
regular movement and strength training.
Some companies offer subsidised gym
memberships to encourage employees
to keep fit, however, this doesn’t really
overcome the problems caused by sitting
for too many hours throughout the day.
Instead, a strategy that allows staff to
exercise in their working hours is needed.
And that’s where fitness companies that
deliver exercise to the workplace are handy.
“Our personal trainer will come to the
office before, during or after work,” says
Mahal. “Group sessions are key. They’re
the best way of connecting with team
members and breaking down the hierarchy
of an organisation. Once you’ve lunged
or star-jumped with colleagues there’s
a bond that connects you as individuals.”
The power of workplace exercise isn’t
limited to team-building. According to
studies, outdoor exercise delivers billions of
dollars in health benefits to adults each year.
“We promote training people outdoors but
close to the office,” adds Mahal. “Getting
fresh air during the working day has a
tremendous effect on mood and wellbeing.”With a company backing this solution,
employees feel they have permission to take
45 minutes off each day to re-energise
and move about before settling back at
their desk feeling more motivated to work.
A win-win for staff and employees, yes?4
WORKPLACE
WELLNESS
In the most unsurprising statistic ever,
work is the biggest cause of stress. Research
by UK mental health charity Mind reports
that one in three people claim their job is
either “very” or “quite” stressful. A further
one in five people have taken sick days
because of stress, despite often citing
a different reason for their absence.
“Companies that do not address
employee stress face substantial costs,”
reveals psychologist Dana Zelicha. Her
suggestion for countering it? Workplace
wellness programs – such as lunchtime yoga
classes or stress management workshops –
to increase employee wellbeing and even
generate significant savings.
“With all the pressures and distractions
of modern society, it’s very difficult to
maintain inner balance,” says Zelicha.
“By encouraging employees to practise
key strategies, science shows that they
will decrease stress and anxiety, enhance
focus and attention, and increase
productivity and happiness.”
It’s not only about looking after the
health of staff today, but also a matter of
investing in the future health of employees
in our ageing workforce.LiveFIT
Thanks to the internet, a record
number of us have shunned
commuting and colleagues for the
flexibility of working from home. The
only problem is that your home office
needs to be a space that not only
inspires you to work, but also keeps
stress levels to a minimum. Founder
of kikki.K Kristina Karlsson shares
her ultimate design solutions:“You spend a lot of time at your desk
space, so treat it with some importance
and consideration. Why not invest in
stationery that reflects your personality
and tastes? It makes it more fun, and
the positive energy created will make
you a more efficient worker, too!”“Control the clutter. It’s a key source
of stress. Magazine holders, folders andstorage boxes are great. A clutter-free
space will free up your energy and help
you avoid feeling overwhelmed. Choose
a colour you love and one that inspires
you. Blank walls and bland colour can
be detrimental to your mindset.”“Everything needs a place. By clearly
labelling your storage boxes and folders- for everything, from stationery and
paperwork, to important documents
and bills – you’ll know where everything
is, saving on time and stress.”
“Last, but definitely not least, is
inspiration. Nothing makes a home-
office desk space more inspiring to work
in than beautiful magazine clippings,
artwork and personal mementos to
spark great ideas. You’ll feel more
empowered to think creatively.”CALM YOUR HOME OFFICE
the UK suggests that your happiness should
matter to your boss as well, as it could lead
to a 12 per cent increase in productivity.
Fortunately, more businesses are
investing in the emotional health of their
workers with things like outdoor challenges
and events – and more and more companies
in the team-bonding space are popping up.
Whether the plan is to raise money
for charity with a long-term sporting
challenge, or a one-day event that simply
creates synergy among its workers, there
are positive effects on people’s minds
and aspirations, which is so rewarding.
Check out Be Challenged
(bechallenged.com.au), which offers