Working professionals throughout Canada often struggle to find that balance between protecting their health and wellness while remaining productive. Unfortunately, the modern workplace is fraught with hidden and not-so-hidden stressors that can lead to long-term issues. You don’t have to sacrifice your wellbeing to be successful in your career. In this blog, we’ll explore everyday workplace stressors that could affect you and what you can do to counteract them.
Stressors That Threaten Your Workplace Wellbeing
Even in the most professional setting, certain environmental factors can slowly take their toll on your health and wellness. Few workplaces prioritize an employee’s spiritual, mental, or physical health, instead pushing for maximum efficiency, which often comes at a cost. Here are some of the most common stressors your body is constantly fighting.
- Poor Air Quality: Many buildings suffer from low air quality. Issues like improper ventilation, an abundance of pollutants, the presence of mold, and VOCs can cause headaches, decreased cognitive function, and other health concerns.
- Harsh Lighting: Artificial lighting, whether from computer screens or fluorescent overhead bulbs, is notorious for causing eye strain. Bad lighting can also harm your circadian rhythm, leading to issues long after you clock out.
- Dangerous Noise Levels: Exposure to loud noises can be harmful to your mental and physical health. Long-term exposure can increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
- Poor Ergonomics: Depending on your job, you may spend your days standing or sitting at a desk in an incorrect posture. Whatever the case, ergonomic injuries are common, accounting for a considerable number of workplace injuries and long-term physical effects.
Creating a Better Workplace: The Connection Between Workplace Design and Mental Wellness
Navigating your career is stressful enough, but adding hidden stressors into the mix can be disastrous, leading to physical health decline, a weakened immune system, digestive problems, sleep disturbances, and more. There’s a strong link between workplace design and mental wellness, and a few changes can make all the difference.
- Providing Options to Improve Ergonomics: Many offices are starting to recognize the importance of preventing ergonomic injuries, investing in furniture that promotes comfort, encourages a healthier posture, and reduces physical strain. Providing options like ergonomic chairs, versatile workstations, height-adjustable standing desks, and more can prevent unnecessary strain.
- Leaning Into Natural Light Sources: Instead of relying solely on artificial lighting, allow natural sunlight to illuminate workspaces. Consider uncovering windows. Opening throughout the day can also improve air circulation and ventilation.
- Embracing Biophilic Design Elements: Biophilic design incorporates colors and textures inspired by nature. Revamping a workplace with live plants, water features, and more can reduce stress and create a more positive work culture.
- Creating Dedicated Spaces: Having dedicated spaces for all work styles makes it easier for workers to recharge and remain productive. Create quiet spaces for concentrating, more open spaces for collaboration, and calming retreats for de-stressing.
- Noise Control Measures: While eliminating all noise is often impossible, implementing features like acoustic panels and noise dampeners can help cut excessive noise that can harm.
Counteracting the Effects of Workplace Stressors to Protect Your Health and Wellness
Maintaining workplace wellbeing isn’t easy in the fast-paced professional world. While you can’t always control your environment, there are ways to counteract the effects of environmental stressors and poor mental wellness.
Visiting a wellness clinic is a fantastic way to put your health first. Explore services that directly address issues you face at work. For example, you can turn to clinical counselling to reduce stress and improve your mental health and wellness. Meanwhile, services like registered massage therapy can address repetitive strain concerns or poor ergonomics. Personalized massages can help you prevent ergonomic injuries while alleviating pain. Even services like acupuncture and holistic nutrition can make a difference, empowering you to take charge of your health even in a chaotic workplace.
Inspirit Health Group is a multidisciplinary wellness clinic that’s here for busy professionals. We offer personalized, holistic care that focuses on you and your needs. Our team is ready to develop a treatment plan that puts you on the path to success without sacrificing your health and wellness. With Inspirit Health Group, you can have it all while still putting yourself first.
