Time Heals Everything?
Time is valuable and precious. That is why we try to minimize wasted time and maximize quality/productive times throughout every aspect of our lives. Companies have adapted the vision that the more time employees spend at the office the more they are going to get out them. Many employers have a strict schedule for their office workers to respect. The following may sound very familiar, work from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week, 30 minutes to an hour lunch breaks, limited paid TIME off per year, and over TIME work. Believe it or not, this TimeLine was established in many Canadian provinces over 75 years ago to restrict the amount of hours worked by employees. It is no surprise that TIME driven companies have been utilizing the maximum amount of TIME they can work their employees.
Time is valuable and precious. That is why we try to minimize wasted time and maximize quality/productive times throughout every aspect of our lives. Companies have adapted the vision that the more time employees spend at the office the more they are going to get out them. Many employers have a strict schedule for their office workers to respect. The following may sound very familiar, work from 9 to 5, Monday to Friday, 40 hours a week, 30 minutes to an hour lunch breaks, limited paid TIME off per year, and over TIME work. Believe it or not, this TimeLine was established in many Canadian provinces over 75 years ago to restrict the amount of hours worked by employees. It is no surprise that TIME driven companies have been utilizing the maximum amount of TIME they can work their employees.
Here is a table of your provincial time regulations:
The SHIFT
With an increase in research focused on sedentary work, companies are starting to realize the costs to limiting breaks for their employees. Consequences of spending a whole workday deskbound varies from increase in repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal discomfort and decrease in productivity. Some companies have made the change to a flexible work week allowing their employees to work less time for the same salary, a New-Zealand company and now many others swear by this theory. Then again some aren’t ready to make such a big change or don’t find this solution conductive to their type of business. Cue the SHIFT to decrease TIME in the same position and to increase the office employees well-being and their productivity.
TRUE OR FALSE:
YOU CAN STAY IN THE PERFECT SITTING POSITION FOR HOURS WITHOUT PUTTING YOURSELF AT RISK.
Whether or not you have a sit/stand desk it is still important to change your stance. Even the most ergonomically sound position at your desk becomes a risk when in it for hours on end. Sure it is easier to get in a new position when you have an option to stand but be creative or take more frequent breaks.
HOW TO ADHERE TO TAKING BREAKS OR SWITCHING WORKING POSITION THROUGHOUT THE WORKDAY?
Introducing a behavioural change to your work routine can be challenging. Finding some dull times in your work day and taking advantage of them to move is a great start. At the beginning you can write down when you think it is appropriate to take a micro break or change positions. If you aren’t sure if your boss would be on board with the idea, go ask him or your supervisor. Sometimes having the consent of an employer will make you more inclined to take the much needed breaks and not be scared to do so. We are social beings, therefore making breaks and switching positions socially acceptable in your office is a big win for your chances to adhere to the changes. Once you are comfortable with these changes work your way to change positions around or take a little break every hour.
Don’t wait until you have a major discomfort to do something about your work position, PREVENTION is key!
ErgoMania Team
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