What’s new and different on the workplace wellness front? What innovations are gaining traction? What’s going to be big in 2018?
The answers to those questions include the adoption of data to meet a demand for personalization in wellness programs, the introduction of meditation and even naps at the office.
But perhaps the most compelling trend will see more companies adopt something we’ve done at CCIG: introducing the standing desk for our employees.
Standing desks aren’t exactly new, I know. But sitting for long durations is now recognized as a real health threat.
The Society for Human Resource Management has said the standing desk is the fastest-growing employee benefit in the U.S.
No wonder. Research has found that sitting too long is linked with an increased risk of a number of conditions, including breast and colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease, as well as an increased risk of early death. Sitting has been labeled as worse than smoking.
I think the bigger issue may be an overall lack of activity, but either way, employers next year (and in the years ahead) are expected to try to do more to help employees add a little more movement in their day to keep them healthier.
Improving your workforce’s health isn’t the only reason to consider installing standing desks in the office.
There’s strong evidence that intermittent standing increases productivity because it leads to fewer and shorter breaks throughout the day.
According to the data, non-standers took an average of 47 percent more work breaks and each work break was 56 percent longer than that of the standers.
Breaks are important but that’s quite a difference, right?
If you’re thinking of adding standing desks in your office, here are a few tips to share with your employees:
There’s one more reason to consider standing desks for your employees:
The Mayo Clinic says standing for six hours a day instead of sitting would burn an extra 54 calories per day. That’s not going to help anyone lose weight, but it could help them avoid weight gain.
T. Scott Kennedy, president and COO of CCIG, has more than 30 years of insurance and risk management experience.
How has your company incorporated wellness into its culture? I’d love to hear from you. Email me at TScottK@thinkccig.com.
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