One Easy Way To Reduce Workplace Stress And Enhance Productivity
Its always pleasant (if rare) to find a management tactic that works well and is also easy and even fun. Over the course of my career both as an employee and a manager the best way I found to reduce stress and improve productivity was simple: to exercise at midday.
Everyone has his or her own biorhythms, but I found and observed energy and concentration often flagging toward midday. And also noted considerably renewed energy and productivity following a lunchtime workout.
These arent simply my own idiosyncratic observations. Numerous studies link exercise to mood elevation and productivity enhancement, as well as more collaborative and tolerant behavior. The benefits of exercise are copiously well documented; the trick is effectively integrating a regular exercise program into a conservative or restrictive work environment.
What form of exercise works best? My answers simple: Whatever you like and can easily do in or near the workplace. For me it was usually a 3-mile run. All I needed was a change of clothes and a shower. Many I managed liked weightlifting, walking, aerobics classes, yoga, Spinning and so on. (Personal aside: The only form of exercise that was clearly not for me was Spinning. First, it looks wicked hard. Second, I exercised at least partly to take a break from people barking at me, so the last thing I wanted while taking a break from people barking at me was other people barking at me.)
Here are six common reasons why people cant or dont exercise at work, and ways to easily overcome them.
I dont have time. Sure you do. It may take you 15 minutes longer than a normal lunch hour (maybe even 30 if you have to go a little farther to get to a facility), so work 15 (or 30) minutes later. Chances are in those extra 15 minutes youll be more energized and productive than if you hadnt exercised in the first place.
My boss wont let me. Tell him or her (nicely) to get with the program. Note info above data shows exercise enhances productivity, reduces stress, and improves collaboration. Ask for a chance to demonstrate the results, and be sure to over-deliver when providing them.
We dont have a Fitness Center. Its great if your company has one, but no knockout if you dont. Sometimes all you need is a shower. Or you can go to a nearby gym or club. Often your company can get a corporate discount, a trade that helps both teams.
I wont have time to eat lunch. Nonsense. Eat lunch at your desk while working following your workout. I did it productively for decades. I ate a cheese sandwich or a peanut butter sandwich (fortunately I have a limitless capacity for monk-like culinary boredom), plus an apple or an orange. The main criterion for my lunch was that it could be prepared literally within one minute no kidding at about 9 p.m. the night before.
My hair will be a mess. Dont be too hard enough on yourself. Im sure your hair actually looks a lot better than you think it does. Note to employees: Of course youll use common sense here no triathlon workouts right before Board presentations. Note to managers: Offer (as appropriate to your environment) flexibility of casual dress and appearance. Your employees will appreciate you for it and likely reward you with loyalty and diligence.
My CEO doesnt believe in exercise in the workplace. Hey, this is 2012. Im as old school and dinosaurish as they come and Ive been exercising at work since the 1970s. Note to CEOs: Youll gain in employee engagement. Youll gain in recruiting. You may gain in reduced absenteeism and health care costs (though thats usually harder to document). Plus, dedicated exercisers/athletes tend to be highly disciplined individuals and fine employees. Itll make your company a cooler happier place.
One final thought: The ability to exercise at work is a benefit and privilege, so you cant abuse it all expected work still has to get done. Otherwise, any straight-thinking manager will and should pull the plug quickly. But it shouldnt come to that. Well-managed exercise programs improve the quality of worklife for employees and management alike. And thats the bottom line. Id write more, but Ive got to go for a run.
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