Guest Post by Angela Konstanopoulos
A recent study has highlighted the importance of keeping active throughout the day with nearly two thirds of employees admitting to higher levels of engagement and productivity when they have participated in wellbeing programs at work.
One of the benefits of the wearables revolution is that these stylish gadgets don’t just add an extra dimension to your connected lifestyle, they also provide a practical fitness solution. Here are some tips that you can share with your customers regarding the wearable tech phenomenon and how it can help keep consumers happy, motivated and focused not only at work, but also at home.
- Get a good night’s sleep: If you’re not getting six to eight hours sleep each night, you may experience a lack of concentration and fatigue at work. Use the Fitbit Charge HR Activity Tracker (RRP $193) to monitor your sleeping pattern.
- Get a training buddy: Try group fitness with colleagues to not only boost your mood, but to also help build better teamwork within the workplace. You can share your progress with each other by setting up a group within the Fitbit App. Try the Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity and Sleep Wristband (RRP $99) – some healthy competition goes a long way!
- Standing desk: Standing desks are growing in demand and trending in many large corporations including Google, partly due to the health implications of sitting all day. Speak to your boss about getting a standing desk if you’re concerned.
- The little things count: The workplace is full of everyday exercise opportunities. Take the stairs, put your hand up to do the coffee run, stretch while you’re waiting at the printer and get up and grab a glass of water every hour. Keep count of energy burned and duration of activity with the 3SIXT Edge Activity Tracker (RRP $64).
- Step outside: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh air and sunlight, even just 10 minutes outside the workplace can help awaken the mind and provide your daily dose of Vitamin D. Take advantage of sunny days by using the Motorola Moto 360 (RRP $299) to check the daily weather forecast.
- Move your way: When it comes to exercise, it’s not one size fits all. For example, ditch the work run club if jogging isn’t your thing and try something low impact like swimming. Clocking laps before, during or after work can be tracked by the waterproof Misfit Shine Activity Tracker (RRP $108).
- Feed your brain: Food fuels brainpower and the good news is over 65 per cent of employees are aware of this. You can use the Fitbit Flex Wireless Activity and Sleep Wristband (RRP $99) to track your calorie intake and manage your energy levels.
- Set an alarm: Alarms aren’t only for waking up in the morning; you can use them as reminders to get up and move. Use the Garmin Vivofit 2 (RRP $139) to set regular notifications to stand up and stretch, go for a short walk or shift eye focus from the computer screen regularly.
- Stay connected: Time is money, which is why we’re increasingly required to work on the go. Never miss an e-mail, text, incoming call, or appointment by syncing the Samsung Gear Live Black (RRP $188) to your smartphone.
Angela Konstanopoulos is the Officeworks national health and safety manager.