SJBiz_OfficeSpace_0619_Layout 1 6 / 19 / 19 1 : 04 PM Page 2 OFFICE TAKE FIVE SPACE Five Tips to Improve Workplace Wellness taying healthy and free from accidents at work is important . S No matter what your job , it is imperative to know the environmental and task - oriented factors that may increase the risk of injury and / or illness in the workplace . Once these potential risks are identi - fied , you are able to take the necessary steps to actively manage the risks of work - related injury or illness . Reduce Workplace Stress 1 Common workplace stressors include long hours , heavy workload , job insecurity and conflicts with fellow employ - ees . Stress can lead to depression , sleeping difficulties and problems with concentration — ultimately affecting em - ployee morale and productivity . Finding meaningful ways to reduce these stressors can help to diminish these fac - tors . Hold wellness events aimed at stress reduction , offer unexpected surprises or signs of gratitude and partner with ergonomically trained professionals who can bolster these efforts by assessing the physical stressors of the work environment . Communication 2 Active communication between the management and / or human resource department and employees is essential to identify areas of wellness that can be improved . Often , these concerns may not be known at managerial levels ; therefore , it is important for employ - ees to feel empowered when sharing their concerns . Create a Workplace Safety Culture 3 Stop and think for a moment about how often — and in what ways — you convey the importance of workplace safety to your employees . Does it get discussed monthly , quarterly or annually ? If you want to reduce workplace injuries , consider making workplace safety an important part of your company’s culture . You can begin by under - standing the root causes of your most serious workplace injuries and regularly surveying the workplace for potential safety hazards in equipment and work design . Success in developing this culture relies on open communication between employers and employees that is free from consequence when relaying concerns . Partner with Occupational Clinicians 4 Occupational medicine clinicians can provide valuable insight into the potential for workplace injury and means of prevention . Physical and occupational therapists can improve workplace ergonomics via assessment and educational techniques , and fit - for - duty evaluations to help screen candidates for physically demanding roles , in addition to providing in - clinic therapies that aid in the return - to - work process . Regular Workplace Wellness Check - Ups 5 It never hurts to be overprepared . Regular meetings to review safety procedures and discuss injury prevention help to keep these elements at the forefront of employ - ees ’ minds . This steady state of preparedness will ensure that employees of all levels will be empowered to maintain their workplace wellness , as well as have the tools to address situations when they do occur . As an employer , it is our responsibility to protect employees and provide them with a safe workplace . Jamie Martin , PT , is a partner with STRIVE Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation . 14 | SOUTH JERSEY BIZ | VOLUME 9 ISSUE 6 | SouthJerseyBiz.net