10 Tips for Creating a Healthy Work Environment
Workplace Humor Expert Scott Christopher offers tips on how to lighten up at the office and stay sane throughout the work day
It takes a lot for office workers to balance their time effectively during the workday- juggling difficult co-workers, a stressful workload and their own sanity. Did you know that more than half of Americans (51 percent)* say the biggest source of stress at work is not the job itself, but their co-workers? Office workers can make the most out of the day by focusing not on the dysfunction that surrounds them, but on the skills needed to cope with office antics.
- Attitude of Gratitude: It’s not always easy to see the best in people, especially when it comes to your quirky co-workers. To remind yourself that the right attitude makes a big difference in your at-work relationships, focus on the positive. Send out a thank you email or in-person thanks to someone who deserves it first thing each morning. It’ll help keep a smile on your face, and put one on theirs too!
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Don’t Be A Cliché: Tired of phrases like, “Think outside the box” and “Shoot me an e-mail”? So are your co-workers! Start a new trend in your office communications by making an effort to avoid these overused phrases. Surprise everyone by saying what you mean – no clichés needed.
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Hear No Evil: While most office gossip can be light, fun and entertaining, be sure to separate yourself when the topic takes a serious turn. To easily avoid hurtful office gossip, keep a pair of noise-reducing headphones nearby and some upbeat, positive tunes queued up on your computer. You won’t be dragged into cruel chatter and work will be more fun when you are bopping to your favorite tunes.
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$4 A Gallon And Climbing: Most office workers are looking for affordable meal options, so why not save money by bringing something healthy from home? For an average retail price of $2.69, shelf-stable HORMEL® COMPLEATS™ meals, created for a healthy lifestyle, can be stored in a desk drawer and are ready in just 90 seconds. You’ll be happier and more at ease if you live within your budget while still enjoying a satisfying midday meal.
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Mini-Mental Vacation: Adorn your workspace with pictures of loved ones and memories of good times. These serve as tangible reminders to keep a level head and to keep things in perspective. When your boss is yelling about how the memo was printed on the wrong color paper, take a mental break and remember what’s really important in the grand scheme of things.
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Desk-ercise: Add a little extra movement to your workday to keep things lively, even while sitting at your desk. Give your eyes a break from the computer screen, work with pen and paper or read a short magazine. While making copies, stand on your tiptoes to stretch your calves. Instead of sending an e-mail or calling someone in your office, take a walk to see them. A change of pace is a nice way to get a break.
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Constructive Chatter: If you are surrounded by negative personalities—the brownnoser, gossiper, or tattler—commit to avoiding negative conversations one day a week. That day, only say positive things to people. Sure, you may agree with their laundry list of gripes, put downs, complaints, accusations, and other corrosive comments, but keep them to yourself. You’ll feel better by day’s end.
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Lunchtime Balancing Act: No time to grab a bite to eat? Balance your lunchtime eating habits by making the most of your midday break. Instead of the typical, unsatisfying can of soup, choose a quick and hearty lunch that will keep you satisfied long into the afternoon. New HORMEL® COMPLEATS™ meals are a great way to achieve balance- they meet USDA guidelines for “healthy lifestyle” with under 320 calories and no trans fats, so it’s a meal you can feel good about.
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Three O’clock Rock: Each afternoon invite co-workers to a spacious area for a break and a little exercise. Have a different employee select a song from their music collection and for 3-5 minutes blast it out for all to enjoy. Stretch your legs, do a dance, sing along, and laugh out loud. This will help refocus your creative energies and form bonds with your cube mates.
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Lighten Up Meetings: Re-work meetings and brainstorm sessions to be something employees look forward to. Research shows you can boost creativity by exposing your teammates to humor or play before you begin. Try games or toys to get everyone engaged. One game asks team members to share one truth and one lie about themselves, and others must guess which is false.
Scott Christopher is an expert on the effect of having fun in the office. He's co-author of the new book, The Levity Effect: Why it Pays to Lighten Up, and a regular humor columnist for Workplace HR magazine. He currently gives speeches and seminars that touch hearts and split sides.
For more information on HORMEL® COMPLEATS™ meals or to schedule an interview with Scott Christopher, contact Stephanie Kieras at stephanie.kieras@bm.com or 312-596-3506. Visit www.hormelfoods.com/compleats for information on the new, healthy line of HORMEL® COMPLEATS™ shelf-stable, microwaveable meals.
*The HORMEL® COMPLEATS™ “Office Culture” survey was conducted by Kelton Research between March 6 and March 11, 2008, of 501 nationally representative American office workers ages 18 and above. The results indicate a margin of error +/- 4.4 percent at a 95 percent confidence level.