Corporate Wellness

Desk Duty: Why Sitting Can be as Deadly as Smoking

October 28, 2022
Dr. Nikhil Latey
Desk Duty: Why Sitting Can be as Deadly as Smoking

Motion is lotion, isn’t it? Sitting isn't part of our design. You may not think of your office chair or the couch you enjoy binge-watching on when you think of something that might pose a health risk. When you sit for long periods of time, the body deteriorates, according to Dr Joan Vernikos, author of Sitting Kills, Moving Heals.

How Sedentary Are We?

Around three million avoidable deaths are caused by physical inactivity each year (6% of all fatalities). Among noncommunicable illnesses, it is the fourth leading cause of death.

The following studies demonstrate how sedentary we are:

  • According to PubMed Central, 52.1% of participants in the study were not physically active. Studies conducted in India and abroad have reported similar findings. 
  • It was reported that 56.8% of participants in a study conducted in Punjab, India, were not sufficiently active as recommended by the WHO. 
  • According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research study, Chandigarh has a 66.8% prevalence of physical inactivity.
  • According to a study, 49.7% of adults in southern India were physically inactive.

Sitting and Exercising

Sitting Is the New Smoking
Photo by Gabin Vallet on Unsplash

Marathon sitting sessions cannot be negated by exercise. Lifestyle fitness, whether it is exercise in the gym, running, yoga, pilates, or another form of exercise, will not make you healthier if you sit for long periods of time. Instead, you are more likely to live a happy healthy life if you sit less during the day.

Sitting for Long Periods of Time.

Sitting for long periods of time can actually alter your metabolism. Sitting for just 30 minutes slows down metabolism by 90%. The large leg and gluteal muscles can weaken and waste when sat for long periods of time. 

With weak glutes, the legs are less stable and have less power. If you sit consistently with poor posture, it can also result in back problems. Even your sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your toes, may be irritated by the back, hip, and buttock muscles together.

When you spend a lot of time hunched over a keyboard, your neck and shoulders can become stiff and painful. As you do this for hours and hours, you reduce your flexibility and movement, straining your neck and upper back muscles.

While scrolling through social media on their phones, people sit in compromised postures that can be detrimental to their rotator cuffs, wrists, and forearms.

Heart Health and Sitting

Sitting Is the New Smoking
Photo by Jon Flobrant on Unsplash

Heart disease is more likely to develop if you sit for a long time each day. Diabetes type 2 and obesity, two major risk factors for heart disease, can be caused by sitting, which can lead to insulin resistance. In addition, during a heart attack, the blood flow slows down, which causes the blood vessels to accumulate fatty acids.

Heart disease results from disruption of vascular function. According to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, there is an independent relationship between prolonged sitting time and deleterious health outcomes, regardless of physical activity. 

You still have a risk of heart disease and death even if you clock in an hour of intense physical activity a day. This is especially true for those who work continuously without taking a break; therefore, companies are focusing more on employee wellness programs to assist them to build healthy working habits. 

"Sitting is the thief of health." - Steve Jobs

Depression and Anxiety

We don't understand the relationships between sitting and mental health as well as we do the ties between sitting and physical health, but we do know that those who sit more are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression.

This might be due to the fact that those who spend a lot of time sitting lose out on the benefits of workout and fitness. If this is the case, getting up and moving may be beneficial.

Living a Movement-Based Lifestyle

Here are a few ways you can incorporate physical activity into your daily routine:

Make sure you take frequent breaks. After 30 minutes of continuous sitting, get up and move around

  • When possible, take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Stop texting your colleagues and walk over to them instead
  • If you can, enjoy a short walk during your lunch break
  • Consider switching to standing and sitting-friendly height-adjustable desks. 

 You will have increased energy levels and endurance once you become physically active, and your muscles and bones will remain strong when you are physically active.

Final Words

It appears that stretching your muscles breaks up long periods of sitting, so strive to incorporate more exercise into your day. Every once in a while set a timer to remind yourself to get up and walk. Stand up while you're taking a call. You may want to consider an adjustable standing desk if you have a PC. Sit on a stability ball rather than an armchair while watching TV to keep yourself upright. Exercises to relieve joint pain are also recommended.

Corporate wellbeing

Dozy at Work: 60% of Indian Employees Report Sleep Deprivation

March 24, 2023
Mohit Sahni
Dozy at Work: 60% of Indians Report Sleep Deprivation

Sleep deprivation is a pervasive problem across India, with nearly two-thirds of Indians reporting feeling dozy at work and over a third suffering from insomnia, according to the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2023. 

The report, conducted by sleep solutions provider Wakefit.co, sheds light on the sleep patterns and trends of Indians, highlighting the detrimental impact of sleep deprivation on employee productivity, health, and well-being.

In recent years, sleep disorders have become increasingly common in India, with many attributing the rise to stress, anxiety, and the proliferation of digital devices. The high prevalence of sleep deprivation among Indian employees has serious implications for workplace productivity and the overall health and well-being of the workforce. 

In this article, we will discuss the issue of sleep deprivation in India, as highlighted by the Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2023, and offer tips for HRs on how to address this issue in the workplace.

Awake in a Sleepy Nation

The Great Indian Sleep Scorecard 2023 highlights a growing sleep crisis in India, with over 60% of Indians reporting feeling dozy at work and over a third suffering from insomnia. 

Here are some of the key findings related to the sleep crisis in India:

Late Nights and Digital Devices

Despite the need for healthy sleep habits, over 70% of Indians retire only after 11 p.m. - way past the ideal bedtime of 10 p.m. Furthermore, a whopping 88% of Indians admit to using their phones until just before bedtime, leading to disrupted sleep patterns and reduced sleep quality. 

The late-night scrolling of social media and other digital devices has become a major cause of sleep deprivation and fatigue among Indians.

High Sleep Debt and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Indian workers are suffering from high sleep debt, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced productivity. Over 49% of Indians report feeling un-refreshed upon waking up, while 53% feel sleepy at work. 

The impact is even more pronounced for women, with 67% reporting sleepiness at work compared to 56% of men.

The Impact of Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are major contributors to the sleep crisis in India. Over 31% of Indians report waking up in the night to worry about their future, while 35% suffer from insomnia. 

The fear factor and stress overload have become major concerns for employees, leading to poor sleep quality, fatigue, and burnout.

The sleep crisis in India has serious implications for employee health, well-being, and productivity.

A Wake-Up Call for HRs

As the sleep crisis in India continues to grow, HR managers have a critical role to play in promoting healthy sleep habits and creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being. Here are some tips for HRs to address sleep deprivation in the workplace:

Promote Healthy Sleep Habits

HRs can promote healthy sleep habits by providing resources and support to employees. Encourage employees to set a regular bedtime, minimize exposure to digital devices before bed, and create a calming sleep environment. 

Consider offering workshops, seminars, or online resources to help employees learn about healthy sleep habits.

Create a Supportive Work Environment

Creating a supportive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being is essential to addressing sleep deprivation in the workplace. Consider offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible schedules, to help employees balance work and personal responsibilities. 

Encourage breaks throughout the day, and consider creating designated nap rooms or relaxation spaces to help employees recharge.

By prioritizing employee well-being and promoting healthy sleep habits, HRs can help employees overcome the sleep crisis in India and improve their overall health and productivity. 

Snooze to Success: The Importance of Corporate Wellness Programs

Corporate wellness programs can play a critical role in addressing sleep deprivation in the workplace. By offering evidence-based strategies and expert guidance, wellness programs can help employees build healthy sleep habits and improve their overall well-being. 

Here are some examples of how corporate wellness programs can address sleep deprivation:

Sleep Education and Training

Wellness programs can offer workshops, seminars, and online resources to help employees learn about healthy sleep habits and strategies for improving sleep quality. 

These resources can cover topics such as setting a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming sleep environment, and minimizing exposure to digital devices before bedtime.

Stress Management and Mental Health Support

Stress and anxiety are major contributors to sleep deprivation, so wellness programs that offer stress management and mental health support can help employees manage these issues and improve their sleep quality. 

Programs may include mindfulness training, counseling services, or resources for managing work-related stress.

Fitness and Nutrition Programs

Physical activity and nutrition can also play a role in promoting healthy sleep habits. Wellness programs that offer fitness classes, healthy eating seminars, or nutrition coaching can help employees improve their overall health and well-being, leading to better sleep quality.

With our experience in creating customized wellness programs based on the unique needs of Indian workers, The Wellness Tribe can help HR professionals address the sleep crisis in India. HRs can improve their employees' health and well-being by partnering with The Wellness Tribe.

Rise and Shine

The impact of sleep deprivation on employee productivity, health, and well-being is significant, making it essential for HR managers to take action to address this issue. Healthy sleep habits, a supportive work environment, and a corporate wellness program can help HRs help employees overcome the sleep crisis.

At The Wellness Tribe, we are committed to helping HR managers tackle the sleep crisis in India by offering evidence-based strategies and expert guidance to create customized wellness programs that meet the unique needs of their workforce. 

By partnering with us, HRs can take a proactive approach to promote healthy sleep habits, managing stress, and improve employee well-being. Together, we can create a healthier and more productive workforce.

So, take the first step to a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce today. Contact The Wellness Tribe to learn how we can help you implement a customized corporate wellness program that meets your organization's unique needs.

Corporate Wellbeing

The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting

February 19, 2023
The Wellness Tribe Team
The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting

Picture this: You’ve been searching for your dream job for months and finally found the perfect opportunity. You send in your application and wait anxiously for a response. Days turn into weeks, and your inbox remains eerily quiet. 

You start to wonder if your application was even received. You check the job posting, and it's still up, giving you hope. But as the days turn into weeks and you hear nothing back, your hope turns into frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty. You've been ghosted. Once reserved for bad dating etiquette, ghosting has infiltrated the job search process, leaving job seekers and employers trapped in a spiral of silence. 

In this article, we'll explore the negative impact of ghosting in the job search process and the reasons why it's happening. We'll also provide tips for improving communication during the hiring process and how technology can play a role in ending this frustrating trend. 

Left in Limbo

The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting
Photo by Vlada Karpovich

The silent treatment of ghosting in the job search process is not just discourteous, but it can also have significant negative impacts. Firstly, when job seekers receive no response from potential employers, they are left feeling abandoned in the dark, wondering what they did wrong or if they are still being considered. In addition, the lack of communication can lead to frustration, anxiety, and uncertainty, making the job search process even more daunting.

Secondly, ghosting can damage an employer's reputation as potential candidates share their negative experiences with others, leading to missed opportunities for finding the right candidates. 

Lastly, the long-term impacts of ghosting can be significant for both job seekers and employers, as it can create a lack of trust and transparency in the hiring process. Therefore, it's time to acknowledge the negative impacts of ghosting and take steps to improve communication during the hiring process.

"When you ghost a candidate, you're not just losing them for this job, you're losing them for any future opportunities as well." - Jessica Merrell, Founder of Workology

Wandering Eyes

The rise of ghosting in the job search process begs the question: why is it happening? There are several potential reasons why job seekers and employers alike may be guilty of going radio silent.

Firstly, some job seekers may not be fully committed to the hiring process and may be exploring multiple opportunities at once. This can lead to disinterest in a particular role or company and a lack of motivation to follow up on the application.

On the other hand, employers may not prioritise communication with candidates or may be juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities. The result can be a lack of communication, leaving job seekers in the dark about their application status.

Another potential factor is the role of technology. With the rise of automated job search platforms and social media, communication during the job search process has become increasingly depersonalised. This can make it easier for job seekers and employers to avoid direct communication, leading to a higher likelihood of ghosting.

Regardless of the reasons behind it, the negative impact of ghosting in the job search process cannot be ignored. It's time to explore solutions for improving communication and preventing ghosting altogether.

Communication is Key

The Silent Treatment: The Job Search Spiral of Ghosting
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

It's clear that ghosting during the job search process is a frustrating and damaging trend for both job seekers and employers. Fortunately, there are steps that both parties can take to improve communication and prevent ghosting.

For job seekers:

  • Follow up after submitting an application to ensure it was received and express continued interest in the role.
  • Be patient and understanding but also assertive in following up on the status of the application.
  • Keep track of all applications and responses to stay organised and avoid confusion.

For employers:

  • Create a clear communication plan and stick to it, providing updates to candidates at every step of the hiring process.
  • Set realistic expectations for response time and follow through on commitments.
  • Utilise technology, such as automated responses and candidate tracking tools, to streamline communication and reduce the likelihood of ghosting.

By taking these steps, both job seekers and employers can work together to create a more positive and productive job search experience.

A Call to Action

In today's job market, ghosting has become an all-too-common occurrence. However, it doesn't have to be this way. By understanding the negative impact of ghosting and taking proactive steps to improve communication, job seekers and employers can work together to create a more positive and productive hiring process.

At the end of the day, clear communication and mutual respect are key to preventing ghosting and building strong relationships between job seekers and employers. So let's prioritise these values and put an end to the ghosting spiral once and for all.

As a corporate wellness company, we at The Wellness Tribe understand the importance of clear and respectful communication in all aspects of our lives, including the workplace. We believe that a positive and productive work environment starts with healthy communication, and we encourage employers to take the lead in preventing ghosting and creating a more positive hiring process for all.

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