Standing taller: a copywriter’s wake-up call to workplace wellbeing
I’m 0.5cm taller than I was 12 weeks ago. Yes, I didn’t believe it either. But it’s true, thanks to changes in my posture and a focus on workplace wellbeing.
Three decades of sitting at a desk and a skiing injury 20 years ago that wrecked my right shoulder left me in hunched-over pain at the end of each day. Like many freelancers, I’d prioritised work and meeting deadlines over workplace wellness. Then, my physio said he could no longer help and persuaded the GP to refer me to orthopaedics. While waiting for an appointment, I decided to take charge of my fitness.
I enrolled on the free Nuffield Health Joint Pain Programme in Wokingham and the online Fast 800 plan, and finally got a steroid injection. I adjusted my desk and tried to sit up straighter and focus on my wellbeing. I’m less of a desk sloth and fitter than I’ve been for years.
Reading a page from the Nuffield Health Joint Pain Programme journal.
Now, not only am I standing taller, but I’m also a stone lighter and my BMI is within a healthy range. Easter may be nigh, but I intend to minimise my chocolate intake (famous last words!) and visit the gym three times a week. I’m eating fewer snacks, and those I do eat are healthy.
I’ve written many articles and blogs for flexible workspace providers and internal communications about sitting for too long at a desk. But it took experiencing the consequences firsthand to understand the impact.
The business takeaway? Knowledge alone isn’t enough – executing a workplace wellbeing plan is vital. I wrote about workplace wellness for years, but didn’t practise what I preached. Research shows that physical inactivity costs the UK £7.4 billion a year, with the government predicting that 35% of the population will be less active by 2030.
Nuffield’s programme is excellent for freelancers. One other desk worker was on the course with me and works from home daily. Unsurprisingly, both of us have shoulder issues and experience migraines triggered by tension. The programme supports two personal trainer-led education and exercise sessions a week. Rehabilitation specialist Byron ran ours, helping us to apply our learning and work out safely. He also explained different ways we perceive pain and gave us techniques to manage stress. After 12 weeks, I’m now applying my learning independently but there’s guidance available if I need it.
Has your company thought about launching structured wellness programmes? Simple initiatives like standing desks, posture workshops or subsidised fitness memberships can transform your team’s health and productivity. I’d love to hear what’s working in your organisation or discuss how I transformed my personal experience into effective workplace wellness strategies.
#WorkplaceWellness #PostureMatters #ProductivityHacks #BusinessHealth
