When it comes to your team, you’re focused on their performance. But are you also aware of their well-being? If not, then it can impact their overall health and ability to do their job to your satisfaction.
One easy way to improve in this area is to encourage your people to stretch, not in terms of their abilities, but their actual bodies.
The Benefits of Stretching
Sitting in one position for an extended period can pose a threat to physical health. But getting up and stretching can improve it, while also lowering stress levels and keeping your workers more engaged, all with just a small investment of time. Your workers, therefore, don’t need to spend hours at the gym each week or their lunchtime outside walking. Instead, just by taking a break every so often and stretching, they’ll be doing themselves and their bodies a world of good.
Another reason stretching is so important is that it lowers the risk of injury and damage. This is especially important for those employees who are doing repetitive tasks, like typing all day. By improving range of motion, there’s less of a threat of muscles getting strained, inflamed, sprained, or damaged. Also, it can help to resolve any pain employees are currently experiencing, so they feel better overall.
When it comes to stretching, there’s even more good news. You don’t have to be a fitness expert or hire a trainer to take advantage of it. Your employees can do a few simple stretches each day, all while increasing circulation, improving flexibility, and reducing their stress levels. It’s easy, affordable, and provides a significant return on investment in terms of employee health and well-being.
Some Stretches to Introduce
So now that you know the benefits of stretching, how can you introduce it during your day? Start slowly. Talk to your employees about it and all the benefits that it offers. Create a morning stretching routine in the conference room or a community break room to show your employees some simple stretches they can be doing at their desks. Some of these can include:
- Neck stretches
- Hamstring and calf stretches
- Back twists
- Wrist stretches
- Side and chest stretches
Each of these stretches should be held for around 15 to 20 seconds. Warn your employees not to bounce when they’re stretching, which could cause damage to the muscles. Also, encourage them to take a few deep breathes once they’re done before they return to work. After they’ve learned them, your employees can then perform stretching as often as they want, whether they’re feeling stressed, tired, or simply ready for a break.
Partner With the Experts!
If your employees are feeling stressed and tired due to overtime and overworking, then it could be time to add to your staff. If that’s the case, Future Force can help. We’re one of the leading temporary hiring agencies, serving the area since 1992, and providing access to skilled and reliable workers, where and when you need them. Contact us today to learn more.
