Raising the subject of new health concerns with the prevalence of mobile technology in a fast-changing work environment.

One of the most active and ongoing topics in workplace design is centered around the growth of technology coupled with a generational in the workplace and the subsequent behavioral shift. We’ve seen the shift from the individual static based office to the transitional dynamic based office. People are working remotely, both within and outside of the office envelope. As we continue to research and develop new technologies to expand the capabilities of the versatile mobile office, it’s prevalence poses an ever increasing need to examine its effects, both positive and negative.  In that search, Orangebox’s director of well-being, Jim Taylour, works to shed light on some of the health concerns in his presentation Orangebox Present: “Mobile Generations.”

Arenson recently had the pleasure of hosting Orangebox, where Jim explored our changing places of work and the workforce within them and the implications of our increasing reliance on hand-held technologies. The discussion, hitting on topics of noise control and ergonomics, focused on insights and recommendations for achieving better working practices and environments.

Challenging your perception of health.

We tend to assume that we  are healthier than we are realistically. We claim to be healthy, but in the hype of our daily lives, it’s easy for us to fall back on habits.  It is not until we are made aware, that we slip back and realize that, “maybe I am straining my neck too much, or sitting down too long.”

Jim introduces a transformative idea of bringing the “highline into the office.” What if we push for a health resurgence from an administrative level, where it starts to blend healthier practices into our work day. Implementation of programs that not only bring these issues to light but challenge them will start to shift our acceptance of unhealthy practices.

Start Your Own Conversation.

As a bonus, we took the liberty of finding some simple, everyday practices that could start the conversation of transforming the perception of health in your workplace.

1. Jim suggests taking a walk instead of calling a coworker, which increase face-time and boosts morale.

2. Deskercise!

3. Start an ideas board, where employees can share their interests and concerns about well-being.

4. Take an initiative and implement shared office activities.

• At Arenson, we implemented Yoga, Zumba, and afternoon massages into the work week.
• Play the ‘Walking Game’—250 employees accepted a pedometer to count their steps: 2 million strides over 36 hours. The idea was to get people moving, help them meet colleagues and build a feeling of community.

There are a number of ways to start the conversation and challenge the well-being practices in your office. Share some of your ideas with us via social media by hashtagging #healthyworkplace @arensonoffice.