Latest news with #workplacehealth
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Are workplaces in Malaysia ready to welcome older workers?
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification I refer to the article , 'Malaysians slam plan to raise civil servant retirement age to 65: 'let them rest'' (May 21). In Malaysia, the retirement age for civil servants and private-sector employees has been adjusted several times. In 1951, the mandatory retirement age was set at 55 years. It was raised to 56 in 2001, 58 in 2008, then 60 in 2012. Now there is a suggestion to raise it to 65 – a substantial leap. While some argue that such a move would allow experienced workers to remain in the workforce, there are also concerns about the declining physical and cognitive abilities of older people and the potential accident risks this brings. Raising the retirement age could contribute to an increase in workplace and traffic accidents. Age-related changes such as weakened muscles, joint stiffness, reduced agility and decreased stamina can make it harder for seniors to perform tasks safely in industrial settings. Balancing problems resulting in falls are also a significant cause of injury to older adults. Many seniors also experience chronic health conditions, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which can affect their ability to perform work safely. At the same time, cognitive decline could affect their decision-making and reaction time.
BreakingNews.ie
7 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Specsavers to offer free tea and coffee to Dublin commuters
Specsavers have announced that they will be offering free tea and coffee to commuters in the Dublin area this week. From May 27th until May 29th, between 8-11am at Central Plaza, Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, commuters can swing by the Specsavers coffee van for a complimentary tea or coffee. Advertisement The company have said the initiative is not just about a free tea or coffee, but is a chance to think about what perks employees may be missing out on at work. They said workers may be entitled to free eye tests and glasses from their employers if employees spend more than one hour a day using screens for work. Kerril Hickey, chairman of Specsavers Ireland, said that although we all know that the first coffee of the day is essential, so is your eye health. "We hope this will open up the conversation on eye health in the workplace and encourage people to talk to their employers about their corporate eyecare entitlements, all while enjoying their morning cuppa." Advertisement The Specsavers team will be on hand to discuss all things eyecare, and will drop a few hints about what employees should be asking their bosses for, like eyecare vouchers. Specsavers said that for just €25, employers can provide an eye test and up to €100 towards selected glasses. The company also said that Specsavers corporate eyecare vouchers "offer responsible employers an easy, cost-effective way to stay on stop of their responsibilities, and at the same time, make sure employees can avoid unnecessary discomfort at work." They added that it is a "simple way to keep everyone happy and healthy and look after their team."
Entrepreneur
27-05-2025
- Health
- Entrepreneur
Professional Wellness Month: Reclaiming Your Work-Life Harmony for Lasting Success
Professional Wellness Month is a timely reminder as June rolls around: your well-being doesn't end after clocking out. In fact, for long-term success and happiness in the workplace, it is... This story originally appeared on Calendar Professional Wellness Month is a timely reminder as June rolls around: your well-being doesn't end after clocking out. In fact, for long-term success and happiness in the workplace, it is crucial to nurture your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Let's be honest, though. There are still many workplaces where the grind culture is alive and well. Emails don't stop at 5 p.m., breaks aren't a luxury, and stress is accepted as a badge of honor. During Professional Wellness Month, employers and employees are encouraged to prioritize healthy habits, strong communication, supportive leadership, and sustainable workloads. Throughout this post, we'll explore what professional wellness means, why it matters, and how you can take action to feel better, work smarter, and live more fully. What Exactly Is Professional Wellness? It's More Than Just Avoiding Burnout. Basically, professional wellness is the overall quality of your work experience. I'm talking about how your job affects your health in every way, not just financially. So, let's break it down into key components; Physical wellness. This dimension concerns how your work environment and schedule support your physical well-being. It's about ergonomics, movement, healthy food, and, most importantly, reasonable work hours that allow for adequate rest and recovery. This dimension concerns how your work environment and schedule support your physical well-being. It's about ergonomics, movement, healthy food, and, most importantly, reasonable work hours that allow for adequate rest and recovery. Mental and emotional wellness. This pillar focuses on psychological well-being at work. It involves effectively managing stress, cultivating positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, finding a sense of purpose in daily responsibilities, and retaining emotional resilience. Overall, it's about keeping a positive attitude and balancing your professional obligations. This pillar focuses on psychological well-being at work. It involves effectively managing stress, cultivating positive and respectful relationships with colleagues, finding a sense of purpose in daily responsibilities, and retaining emotional resilience. Overall, it's about keeping a positive attitude and balancing your professional obligations. Work-life balance (or integration). This is perhaps the most discussed aspect. In other words, it is about finding a healthy balance between work and personal life. It's all about having time, energy, and mental space to pursue hobbies, nurture relationships, get involved in the community, and just recharge. Professional wellness is about more than escaping burnout; it's about creating an environment in which you can thrive. Why Professional Wellness Matters More Than Ever Before It has never been more important to talk about professional wellness. Over the past few years, global upheavals and dramatic shifts in working models have fundamentally changed how and where we work, leaving countless professionals struggling to adjust and keep up. Burnout is skyrocketing. The statistics are stark and alarming. According to a 2024 Gallup survey, 23% of employees feel burnt out at work very often or always, while 44% feel burnt out sometimes. This isn't just an individual issue; it's a widespread epidemic impacting productivity, morale, and retention across industries. The nuances of remote and hybrid work. They have introduced new complexities despite the flexibility of remote and hybrid work models. Increasingly, the lines between professional and personal life have blurred, making it difficult to truly 'switch off' and recharge. Disconnection can be a real challenge when working from home. Evolving employee expectations. In today's workplace, particularly among Gen Z, well-being, autonomy, and feeling purpose are increasingly valued. People are no longer willing to accept jobs that compromise their mental or physical health. Because of this shift in values, employees are more likely than ever to seek out and transition to jobs that align with their holistic well-being. Prioritize holistic well-being. As reported by Gallup, employers who take care of their employees' health and well-being see measurable benefits, including higher productivity and profitability. Employees who strongly agree that their employer cares about their overall well-being include; 69% less likely to seek a new job 71% less likely to experience burnout 36% more likely to thrive 3x more likely to be engaged at work 5x more likely to strongly recommend their company as a place to work Additionally, many workers place work-life balance and personal well-being at the top of their priority list when choosing to stay or leave an organization. So, ensure you're embracing Employee Wellness Month by appreciating the whole employee, 24/7/365. A strategic business imperative. An effective wellness culture extends far beyond individual health. In addition to improving overall productivity and employee engagement, professional wellness promotes positive employer branding and lower turnover rates. It's a win-win situation for everyone. The 7 Pillars of Professional Wellness: Your Actionable Roadmap Let's break down professional wellness into seven distinct yet interconnected pillars. Focusing on these areas this month will set you up for sustained happiness. 1. Workplace health: Your body is your instrument. Your physical well-being is the foundation of your professional performance. In the workplace, how you treat your body directly impacts your energy levels, focus levels, and overall capacity. Tips for action: Make stretching a habit, even if you only stretch for a minute or two every hour. To integrate physical activity into meetings, opt for walking meetings whenever possible. Also, be sure to keep healthy snacks at your desk to avoid energy crashes. Invest in or advocate for ergonomic furniture and tools to support good posture and reduce strain. 2. Managing mental health and stress: Fortifying your mind. Despite its silent nature, chronic stress harms productivity and well-being. It can cause energy loss, clouded judgment, and serious health problems. So, an effective stress management program is a must. Tips for action: Try to incorporate mindfulness or deep breathing exercises into your day, perhaps for 2-3 minutes between tasks. You should also be assertive in setting clear boundaries regarding your working hours, which you should adhere to. If you need a genuine break, don't be afraid to use mental health days without guilt. Establish a culture of support by encouraging open discussion about stress with colleagues and supervisors. 3. Work-life integration: Creating a harmonious rhythm. Instead of seeing work and life as opposing forces, strive for a harmonious integration. You don't have to blend everything into one chaotic mess. However, you need to maintain a healthy rhythm in which effort in one area is balanced by rest and fulfillment in another. Tips for action. Don't look at vacation time as a bonus but as an opportunity for rejuvenation. Make a point of scheduling non-work activities that genuinely bring you joy, whenever you can, and unplug after hours. For example, set your phone to 'Do Not Disturb,' avoid checking email, and create a clear mental divide between work and home. 4. Growth and purpose: Fueling your professional soul. Professional wellness begins when you feel connected to something meaningful and like you're growing. When motivation and morale are undermined, productivity can suffer. Tips for action. You should set short- and long-term goals for your professional development. Also, engage in projects that align with your core interests or take advantage of your strengths. And, whether taking courses, mentoring, or taking on new challenges, never be afraid to ask for and seek constructive feedback. 5. Establishing a supportive workplace relationship. A supportive and positive work environment is the opposite of a toxic one, which acts as a powerful buffer against stress and fuels resilience. Tips for action. Honesty is the best policy when showing appreciation to your team members. Rather than letting conflicts fester, address them directly and respectfully. Whether big or small, celebrate victories together to foster a sense of achievement. To build camaraderie and informal relationships, participate in team-building or social events. 6. Environmental wellness: Optimizing your physical space. Despite often being overlooked, your immediate environment significantly affects your well-being and productivity. Tips for action: Don't be afraid to personalize your desk in a way that brings you comfort or inspiration, and stay committed to keeping it clean and organized. Adjust the lighting to reduce eye strain and improve alertness. You can also create a more focused environment at your workplace by using noise-canceling headphones. 7. Leadership and organizational culture: The systemic impact. Even though individual habits are crucial to professional wellness, it is not solely the individual's responsibility. In large part, it is determined by the organization's culture and its leaders' behavior. Tips for leaders. Be an example of healthy behavior. For example, you can leave on time, take breaks, and take your own vacation days. Also, promote open communication about workloads, stress levels, and overall health. Further, offer wellness programs or stipends for fitness, mental health support, or personal development. In addition, ensure that work-life boundaries, flexible schedules, and remote work options are implemented and adhered to. How to Celebrate Professional Wellness Month — and Make It Count As part of Professional Wellness Month in June, you can upgrade your workplace culture and habits. As such, individuals and organizations can act in the following ways: For individuals; Take a break (seriously). Permit yourself to rest this month. Spend a few days relaxing, running errands, revisiting hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Remember, rest shouldn't be a luxury but a tool for productivity. to rest this month. Spend a few days relaxing, running errands, revisiting hobbies, or simply doing nothing. Remember, rest shouldn't be a luxury but a tool for productivity. Start a 30-day wellness challenge. Invite your colleagues to join you in daily wellness habits, such as walking breaks, staying hydrated, or committing to screen-free evenings. Invite your colleagues to join you in daily wellness habits, such as walking breaks, staying hydrated, or committing to screen-free evenings. Schedule a mid-year career check-in. Discuss your professional development with a mentor, manager, or career coach. Take advantage of this time to assess your direction, goals, and overall well-being. Discuss your professional development with a mentor, manager, or career coach. Take advantage of this time to assess your direction, goals, and overall well-being. Audit your calendar. Review your weekly schedule. Which meetings drain you? Which tasks energize you? Using these insights, you can make more informed time-management decisions. Review your weekly schedule. Which meetings drain you? Which tasks energize you? Using these insights, you can make more informed time-management decisions. Declutter your workspace. A clean, organized environment increases focus, saves time, and reduces stress. A clean, organized environment increases focus, saves time, and reduces stress. Try something new. Explore fresh habits like lunchtime yoga, a weekend digital detox, batching tasks, or testing a '4-day workweek.' Host wellness workshops. Invite experts to speak on topics such as stress reduction, mindful eating, ergonomics, and resilience building. Invite experts to speak on topics such as stress reduction, mindful eating, ergonomics, and resilience building. Offer wellness incentives. Offer perks like gift cards, fitness class reimbursements, mental health support, or a bonus PTO. Offer perks like gift cards, fitness class reimbursements, mental health support, or a bonus PTO. Encourage walking meetings. Swap conference tables for movement. Walking stimulates creativity, improves health, and strengthens team connections. Swap conference tables for movement. Walking stimulates creativity, improves health, and strengthens team connections. Run anonymous wellness surveys. Gather honest feedback on employee well-being, workload, and company culture. Insights can guide meaningful improvements. Gather honest feedback on employee well-being, workload, and company culture. Insights can guide meaningful improvements. Introduce no-meeting day s or quiet hours. Block off time for deep, uninterrupted work. By reducing meeting overload, employees are more likely to focus and thrive. Block off time for deep, uninterrupted work. By reducing meeting overload, employees are more likely to focus and thrive. Promote volunteering. Encourage employees to give back. It has been shown that volunteering contributes to a more positive workplace environment, higher job satisfaction, and stronger engagement. Professional Wellness Month is more than a calendar event—it's an opportunity to invest in your team, your culture, and yourself. In the long run, even small changes can have a profound impact, so take the time to make it count. Wellness Beyond June: Cultivating Lasting Change Even though Professional Wellness Month serves as a powerful catalyst for change, the ultimate goal is to cultivate lasting habits and foster a well-being culture far beyond June. Don't let these resolutions disappear like a forgotten New Year's resolution. Make it a regular check-in. Keep track of your wellness goals by scheduling quarterly personal check-ins to assess your progress. Keep track of your wellness goals by scheduling quarterly personal check-ins to assess your progress. Be an advocate. Whenever you see opportunities for systemic change, you can respectfully advocate for policies and practices that will support well-being within your team or company. Whenever you see opportunities for systemic change, you can respectfully advocate for policies and practices that will support well-being within your team or company. Embed wellness into your identity. Don't look at wellness as an additional perk, but as something integral to your professional identity. Keep it at the top of my mind as a daily priority. Final Thoughts: Your Wellness is Your Wealth You are more than a job title or a to-do list. As a person with real needs, your health at work is important — both for your success and mental health. In addition to a campaign, Professional Wellness Month represents a call to action. During this month, reflect on how you work and wish you worked. Can you do anything today to protect your energy, boost your performance, and enjoy your career more? In the end, your health is your wealth. And June is the perfect time to invest. FAQs When is Professional Wellness Month observed? Every June, Professional Wellness Month is celebrated. This time is dedicated to highlighting and emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, and physical health within the work environment. Although it is an annual observance, its principles and practices are designed to be incorporated into daily work lives. What exactly is 'professional wellness'? The concept of professional wellness goes beyond just being healthy. The concept encompasses many interconnected aspects of a person's well-being in their work environment. Included in it are; Physical wellness. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care are essential for maintaining a healthy body. As a result, you will have more energy and stamina for work. Exercise, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, and preventive care are essential for maintaining a healthy body. As a result, you will have more energy and stamina for work. Mental/emotional wellness. A positive mindset, stress management, resilience building, and mental health support are all important. Without them, we are less able to concentrate, create, and regulate our emotions. A positive mindset, stress management, resilience building, and mental health support are all important. Without them, we are less able to concentrate, create, and regulate our emotions. Social wellness : The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. By reducing feelings of isolation, a positive work environment is created. The ability to develop positive relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients and foster a sense of belonging in the workplace. By reducing feelings of isolation, a positive work environment is created. Financial wellness. It is essential to feel secure about your financial situation. You should manage debt, plan for the future, and have access to resources that reduce financial stress. At work, financial worries can significantly impact productivity and focus. It is essential to feel secure about your financial situation. You should manage debt, plan for the future, and have access to resources that reduce financial stress. At work, financial worries can significantly impact productivity and focus. Purpose/occupational wellness. Having the opportunity for growth and skill development in your work, feeling aligned with your organization's mission, and finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. Job satisfaction depends on overall fulfillment. Having the opportunity for growth and skill development in your work, feeling aligned with your organization's mission, and finding meaning and satisfaction in your work. Job satisfaction depends on overall fulfillment. Environmental wellness. The physical environment should be safe, comfortable, and conducive (e.g., proper ergonomics, good lighting, and reasonable noise levels). Professional wellness is about creating an environment where individuals can flourish individually and professionally. Why is professional wellness so important for individuals? Professional wellness isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for long-term health, career fulfillment, and overall quality of life. Combats burnout. Burnout is a pervasive issue in today's work culture. By focusing on wellness, individuals can recognize and address stressors, set boundaries, and integrate recovery into their routines, preventing exhaustion's debilitating effects. Burnout is a pervasive issue in today's work culture. By focusing on wellness, individuals can recognize and address stressors, set boundaries, and integrate recovery into their routines, preventing exhaustion's debilitating effects. Enhances productivity and focus. Being more efficient, productive, and focused is natural when you're well-rested, less stressed, and mentally clear. When you are healthy, you can perform at your best. Being more efficient, productive, and focused is natural when you're well-rested, less stressed, and mentally clear. When you are healthy, you can perform at your best. Improves mental and physical health. In addition to reducing chronic health conditions, proactive wellness practices can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. In addition to reducing chronic health conditions, proactive wellness practices can lower stress levels, improve moods, and strengthen the immune system. Boosts job satisfaction. You are more likely to feel valued and engaged if you feel supported by your employer and have the opportunity to care for your well-being in your role. You are more likely to feel valued and engaged if you feel supported by your employer and have the opportunity to care for your well-being in your role. Increases resilience. By focusing on wellness, individuals can more effectively bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and tackle challenges with greater equanimity. By focusing on wellness, individuals can more effectively bounce back from setbacks, adapt to change, and tackle challenges with greater equanimity. Supports work-life balance. Professional wellness promotes a healthy separation between work and personal lives, resulting in a more balanced and fulfilling existence. What are some common activities and initiatives during Professional Wellness Month? During Professional Wellness Month, organizations can launch or amplify wellness programs. Wellness has many dimensions, which are often explored through activities. Physical wellness. Step challenges. Organize company-wide competitions to encourage employees to increase their daily step count. Organize company-wide competitions to encourage employees to increase their daily step count. Fitness classes. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and meditation sessions can be conducted on-site or virtually. Yoga, Pilates, stretching, and meditation sessions can be conducted on-site or virtually. Healthy eating initiatives. You can offer nutrition-rich snacks, show how to cook healthy, or share healthy recipes. You can offer nutrition-rich snacks, show how to cook healthy, or share healthy recipes. Ergonomic assessments. Advice on optimizing workstations to prevent discomfort and injury. Advice on optimizing workstations to prevent discomfort and injury. Walking meetings. Encourage teams to conduct meetings outdoors while walking for fresh air and movement. Mental & emotional wellness. Mindfulness & meditation sessions. Providing employees with guided practices to reduce stress and improve focus. Providing employees with guided practices to reduce stress and improve focus. Stress management workshops. Identifying coping mechanisms, managing time, and building resilience. Identifying coping mechanisms, managing time, and building resilience. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Raising awareness of and providing access to confidential counseling and support services. Raising awareness of and providing access to confidential counseling and support services. Mental health first aid training. Providing managers and employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Providing managers and employees with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges. Gratitude practices. Encourage journaling or gratitude exercises. Social wellness. Team-building activities. Create events encouraging teamwork and connection (e.g., scavenger hunts, virtual game nights). Create events encouraging teamwork and connection (e.g., scavenger hunts, virtual game nights). Volunteer opportunities. Organize company-sponsored days for employees to volunteer in the community. Organize company-sponsored days for employees to volunteer in the community. Book clubs or discussion groups. Focused on wellness topics or for general social connection. Financial wellness. Financial literacy workshops. There could be budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, or investing sessions. There could be budgeting, debt management, retirement planning, or investing sessions. Access to financial counseling. By connecting employees with financial advisors, they can receive personalized guidance. By connecting employees with financial advisors, they can receive personalized guidance. Emergency fund challenges. Providing employees with encouragement and support to save. Overall & environmental wellness. Flexible work arrangements. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to promote work-life balance. Offering flexible hours, remote work options, or compressed workweeks to promote work-life balance. 'No meeting' or 'focus' blocks. Setting aside specific times for uninterrupted deep work. Setting aside specific times for uninterrupted deep work. Wellness newsletters/resources. Sharing tips, articles, and success stories. Sharing tips, articles, and success stories. 'Desk plants' initiative. Encourage greenery in workplaces to improve air quality and mood. Encourage greenery in workplaces to improve air quality and mood. Recognizing and rewarding wellness efforts. Recognizing employees who participate in wellness programs or demonstrate healthy habits. Featured Image Credit: Photo by Daniil Kondrashin; Pexels The post Professional Wellness Month: Reclaiming Your Work-Life Harmony for Lasting Success appeared first on Calendar.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
The 8 common work habits that are actually killing you -‘increasing your risk of stroke and even dementia'
WE each spend around 3,515 days of our lives at work - and that doesn't include the extra hours on emails at home or early starts in the office. With all this time working, it's only natural that we get into a bit of a routine, and potentially pick up some bad habits along the way. 4 Think all-day grazing, sitting for hours at a time and checking our inboxes right before bed. These habits might not seem that bad, but they could actually be detrimental to our health. From diabetes to heart disease and insomnia, the effects can be serious and long-lasting. So if you're guilty of any of the eight following 'bad' behaviours, make some changes today and improve everything from your sleep to your digestion and mood to energy … 1. SITTING FOR TOO LONG IF you're reading this at work, when was the last time you stood up from your desk? If it's been longer than an hour, it's time to take a five-minute stretch. Dr Aarthi Sinha, private GP and wellness expert at Church Crescent Medical Practice, tells Sun Health: 'Sitting for too long can cause poor posture, neck pain, muscle stiffness, cramp and back pain.' More seriously, it can increase your risk of serious chronic health conditions. A study by the University of Arizona found sitting for 10 hours a day "rapidly" increases the risk of dementia. Separate research published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found sedentary behaviour exceeding 10.6 hours a day was linked to a 40 to 60 per cent higher risk of heart failure and cardiovascular death. The sleep position that could be a sign of heart failure - plus three other symptoms to look out for Mary Nickel, physiotherapist, orthopaedic specialist and founder of Pilates for Health working with Healthspan Elite, adds: 'Prolonged sitting is associated with type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. 'It increases the risk of musculoskeletal disorders, and the risk of serious illness and death.' Take frequent short breaks, such as five minutes every hour. 'Stand up, walk around, stretch your muscles, drink some water, have some food and go to the toilet if needed,' says Dr Sinha. 2. EATING AT YOUR DESK HAVING lunch at your desk while juggling emails and calls is one thing, but some people even eat breakfast and dinner at their computers too. It's unhygienic, but could also cause you to overeat, leading to weight gain. 'When you're preoccupied with work you're unlikely to realise how much you're eating,' says Dr Sinha. 'You're more likely to be distracted with work and eat too quickly, causing indigestion, heartburn and nausea.' The best thing to do is plan your meals ahead of time, where possible. 'Take some healthy snacks into work and plan your snack and main meal breaks around your work pattern,' she adds. 'Start your meal by drinking some water too, to ensure adequate hydration as well.' 3. GRAZING ALL DAY SHARING packets of biscuits and birthday cake in the kitchen is a big part of work culture, especially if you work in an office. And of course, it's only natural to want to pop over every so often for a little snack. However, all-day grazing isn't doing your health much good. Rob Hobson, registered nutritionist at Healthspan, says: 'If you're eating constantly there's a risk that you'll put on weight, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle outside of work.' But that's not all. Snacks that contain high levels of saturated fat, salt and sugar also increase your risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol, both linked to heart disease. Dr Sinha recommends leaving large gaps between meals to maintain blood sugar levels, which will help to maintain energy and stop you from overeating. If you do snack, opt for a piece of fruit and some nuts, or a source of protein such as hard boiled eggs, rather than processed foods. 4. WORKING LATE WHEN we have big projects or looming deadlines, it can be tempting to stay in work mode well into the night. But doing so can ruin our sleep - in the short and long term. 'Working late can lead to more disrupted sleep and the irregular production of the stress hormone cortisol, which can keep you awake,' warns Dr Sinha. For good sleep, it's important to wind down before bed so stop working a few hours before hitting the hay. Have a nutritious meal, turn off all tech and relax. Making a to-do list ready for the following day can also help to clear your mind. But sleep isn't your only worry. Working more than 10 hours a day for at least 50 days a year can increase your risk of a stroke by almost a third. And if you do this for more than a decade, this rises to 45 per cent. The mental health disorder you're most likely to have based on your job By Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter YOUR choice of job can reveal several things about you - from your interests, to your education and aspects of your personality. But scientists say it may also shed light on your mental health, indicating your risk for a variety of conditions. Researchers at the JJ Peters VA Medical Center and Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai found a link between ADHD, autism, depression and schizophrenia and certain professions. They suggested that genes raising the risk of these disorders - which they described as "tiny genetic signals" - may be able to predict which field or profession someone ends up in, from tech to art, healthcare or teaching. ADHD was linked to cleaners, chefs and waiters, factory workers, builders, police officers, bus and train drivers and hairdressers, who were all at higher risk of the condition. People working with computers - such as technicians - were more likely to be genetically predisposed to autism and had a lower risk of being diagnosed with depression and ADHD. Meanwhile, teachers and lawyers were more likely to have genetic traits of anorexia, while those in social work were more likely to have genetic traits of depression. And according to analysis, people working in art and design had a higher genetic predisposition towards anorexia, bipolar disorder, autism and schizophrenia. Being genetically predisposed to a condition doesn't necessarily mean you will get it in your lifetime, but it's thought some mental health disorders run in families. 5. GLUED TO YOUR EMAILS WITH today's tech, you can be contacted any time of day - by friends, family, colleagues and your boss. Just one message can leave you stressed, upset or angry, unable to relax or sleep. 'Our brains are constantly stimulated, affecting the different hormones produced in the body,' says Dr Sinha. 'In the long run, the irregular production of hormones like cortisol, the 'happy hormone' serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin can lead to poor cardiovascular health, mental stress and even depression and anxiety.' Give yourself an email cut-off time, and stick to it. 'Planning your work, scheduling in a time to stop work, being non-contactable (if possible) and having a set time when you will then recheck emails (not as soon as you wake up) can help,' Dr Sinha says. 6. WORK IN THE DARK DO you find yourself sitting in front of your bright screen in a dark room? This won't be doing your vision any favours. 'Your eyes have to constantly adjust from the bright light on screen to the dark room, and that causes long term eye strain,' Dr Sinha says. 'Plus, your body's natural melatonin production and circadian rhythm can be dysregulated by going into a dark room and then looking at a bright light for a long time.' This then messes with your sleep - which may already be disrupted from working late. 7. SITTING IN THE WRONG POSITION AS we get tired throughout the working day, it's easy to start to slouch. In short bursts, this is unlikely to do much damage. But problems can arise if you hold the same rigid posture for long periods, Mary says. 'The slump position has indeed been shown to reduce abdominal muscle activity,' she says. 'But a growing body of evidence shows that there is no significant association between sitting postures and the development of back pain.' Since our bodies are all different, there is no single perfect posture for everyone. 'In fact, even a comfortable sitting position can become tiring after a period of time,' Mary adds. 'Physiotherapists often advise that 'the best posture is your next posture', which promotes the idea of shifting between many different positions throughout your day at work.' An adjustable sit-stand desk can really help you here as it allows you to mix up your posture throughout the day. 8. SCREEN IS TOO LOW NEXT time you're sitting at your desk at work, assess where your screen is in relation to your eyes. 'The monitor should be placed directly in front of you and adjusted so your vision is level with the top third of the computer screen,' says Mary. 'Keep the mouse close to the keyboard to avoid repetitive overreaching, and you should consider supporting the forearm to keep the wrist in a more neutral joint position and reduce strain on the muscles and joints of the arm.' A forearm desk support could be useful here. Your employer may even be able to provide height-adjustable furniture after an ergonomic workstation assessment. If that hasn't already been offered to you, speak to HR. How slouching could be making you worse in bed By Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter ARE you currently slouched over your desk or curled up around your phone? Well this might have you sitting up straight - poor posture could be making you worse in bed. According to GP Dr Jeff Foster, a bowed back and shoulders can cause your todger to slump. That's right - poor posture could have a number of ramifications on your performance in the sack, causing erectile dysfunction, weak erections and making it hard for you to climax at all, the men's health expert said. Sinking over your desk at work or crumpling into your chair can over time weaken your core muscles. These are connected to your pelvic floor muscles, which can become tighter and weaker as a result of the increased pressure exerted on them by poor posture. Dr Foster said: "When it comes to your penis, having tight pelvic floor muscles can mean these muscles aren't as strong, which can reduce sexual stamina (with weaker erections) and even weaker ejaculation, which can mean a weaker orgasm all round. "Issues with the pelvic floor muscles can lead to problems with the pelvic floor organs which can lead to urine leakage, pain when going to the toilet, pelvic pain and pressure in the penis and testicle area. "You can also have difficulty achieving an erection, and a far less enjoyable climax, if you're able to climax at all." Posture can also reduce energy levels overall, making you more fatigued and less likely to get aroused and achieve an erection during a sexual encounter, Dr Foster added.
ABC News
19-05-2025
- ABC News
SafeWork SA launches criminal proceedings against AGL over 'unsafe' lead levels
SafeWork SA has lodged criminal proceedings against energy giant AGL, alleging the company exposed workers to "unsafe levels of lead" at its Torrens Island plant. Last year, the ABC revealed workers, including AGL employees, had been affected by lead exposure while working on the decommissioning project of the power station north of Adelaide. At the time, the energy giant was also accused of multiple breaches of work safety laws and regulations during its decommissioning of the station by South Australia's electrical and plumbing union. In a statement, SafeWork SA said it launched legal action in the South Australian Employment Court on May 16, following a "lengthy and complex investigation". It said AGL Torrens Island failed to comply with its health and safety duty, when its workers were allegedly exposed to unsafe lead levels during the plant's decommissioning process between October 2022 and April 2023. "This involved de-energising, or preparing to de-energise, cabling throughout the power station, allegedly exposing the workers to lead or lead dust," the statement said. "Personal protective equipment was provided — but allegedly did not include a full-face respirator. AGL has been charged with a category two offence to the Work Health and Safety Act, which carries a maximum penalty of $1.5m. "As the matter is before the courts, SafeWork SA is unable to provide any further information at this time," SafeWork said in its statement. In a statement, an AGL spokesperson confirmed the legal action had been launched and said it could not provide further comment. "AGL reported the event to SafeWork SA in May 2023 and has been working co-operatively with SafeWork SA," a spokesperson said. "Health and safety is a core value of AGL and is an integral part of the way we work. "As this is an ongoing matter, AGL cannot comment further at this time."
