Reference no: EM133042263
Case: Companies Partner to Promote Active Work Cultures Medical research shows that sitting for extensive periods of time at work can be detrimental to employee well-being. Studies indicate that sedentary individuals can suffer higher rates of heart and cardiovascular issues, reduced decision-making efficiency, and higher incidences of diabetes and over 30 chronic ailments. Research also shows that exercise can only partially compensate for sitting too much throughout the day. Consequently, there is a growing need to address this chronic health issue in organizations.
One solution that directly addressed this challenge is "activity-permissive" workstations and worksites that afford employees opportunities to be more active while they complete their work. Examples include desks that can be elevated so that workers are able to stand while typing and performing other administrative activities. Another variation to the theme involves treadmill desks, which enable employees to walk while being busy at their workstations. Bike desks provide similar health benefits, enabling workers to cycle while taking care of their responsibilities. Other specialized furniture and accessories can also be used, including cushioned floor mats for stretching and exercises, elliptical machines that can be placed under desks, and chairs that encourage people to move around. Use of these devices in workspaces is becoming more common as wellness professionals are finding that they increase individual mental efficiency, job performance, and workplace morale. They can also reduce generalized sickness and injuries among workers, as well as enhance recruiting because talented job candidates are often interested in wellness initiatives.
Several companies manufacture these specialized desks, workstations, and devices. Located in Coppell, Texas, Varidesk manufacturers platforms that are placed on top of office desks and can be elevated so that employees stand while doing their work. The costs of these devices range from almost $200 to about $800. LifeSpan, located in Salt Lake City, Utah, manufactures both bike desks and treadmill desks, with costs ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Steelcase Inc. manufactures complete sit-stand desks, and these items range in price from several thousand dollars up to $5,000.
Despite the costs of these devices, many companies realize the benefits of their use. For instance, Zillow Group purchased sit-stand desks and treadmills for its workforce of 2,600 employees and found that they decreased individual work stress and made the company more attractive as an employer; health claims have also decreased and worker engagement has improved. Humana, the health insurance firm located in Louisville, Kentucky, placed sit-stand and treadmill desks in many of its offices, which has resulted in increased employee engagement and retention.*
Questions
- What are some of the major benefits of using office furniture and workstations to promote employee health? Are there any associated challenges?
- What rewards might be offered to employees for using sit-stand desks and treadmills to promote fitness in the workplace? How could you further motivate them to focus on these health and wellness initiatives?
- Using Zillow Group and Humana as examples, how would you promote health and wellness by encouraging employees to be more active? What kinds of results would you expect to see?