The link between physical and mental health has become more prevalent since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, more than ever, people require additional resources to help them remain positive and motivated, feel connected to others, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Understanding this connection is crucial to stress reduction and preserving the overall wellbeing of employees. It is important to consider providing resources such as group health plans, regular break reminders, and ergonomically designed home office furniture. Let’s take a look at some of the related statistics:
- In a 2020 survey conducted by Statistics Canada, 68% of Canadians reported that their mental health has worsened since the pandemic. The survey also showed that 21% of adults aged 18 and older screened positive for at least one of three mental disorders: major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- In another survey conducted by health benefits provider Aetna International, 74% of all workers – including 88% of those ages 18-24 – say poor mental health has impacted their productivity, and 84% of workers agree that their mental health is more important now than it was a year ago.
Evidently, working remotely has brought about its own challenges. Employees voice their concerns about the impact that the pandemic has had on both their physical and mental health. However, implementing home office furniture solutions can bring the benefits of being in the office to your workspace at home. Having the right resources aids in lessening the effects of health concerns such as body pain and Zoom fatigue.
Using Quality Home Office Furniture to Improve Overall Health
With the impact that the pandemic has had in placing people’s health top of mind, organizations that make employee well-being a priority will see higher engagement and productivity, as well as lower rates of burnout and workplace injury. Here are some home office furniture options that support a healthy lifestyle:
- Ology Height Adjustable Desk: Height adjustable work surfaces that are designed to remind you to change positions can improve posture and combat inactivity.
- Leap V2: Ergonomically designed seating that comes in a variety of sizes and levels of adjustment lower the risk of musculoskeletal problems in the legs, shoulders, and arms.
- Buoy: An alternative to the typical office chair, seating such as the Buoy adds the element of movement to the work environment and engages your core to better posture and keep your body active.
- CFTR Adjustable Footrest: In addition to a good chair, footrests with adjustable height promote good posture and blood circulation to enhance overall comfort.
Tips For Maintaining Employee Mental Health in a Hybrid Work Environment
While overcoming the health challenges brought on by the pandemic seems like a hefty task, there are several other ways employers can assist employees in reducing the load:
- Offer ongoing support and learning resources
- Provide safe and comfortable workspaces that enable productivity
- Anticipate the need for flexible work arrangements
- Encourage safe team bonding
- Continually check in with employees to foster collaboration and engagement
The organizations that will thrive during this shift towards a more hybrid work environment are those that will put the well-being of their people at the forefront. These forward-thinking companies should remain empathetic and considerate towards employees’ need for flexible support. Contact the experts at POI today to discuss what resources are needed to enhance overall health and well-being.