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I know, the economy isn't so hot, and maybe your company is
trying to cut costs. But, happier and healthier employees = more
productive employees, right? In that vein, here are five things to
hit your boss up for today (or whenever you get your courage
up):
1. Fruit! I told you about The Fruit Guys a few months ago. It's a fresh fruit delivery service that ships boxes of high-quality, perfectly ripe fruit to thousands of small and large business (and homes, too) across the country. According to their Web site, "the company was founded on the premise that bringing healthy brain food to the office can boost productivity, improve wellness and help companies improve their bottom lines." Cool! See if you can get your boss to stock the break room with fruit.
See our tips: 13 Health Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore!
2. A better chair. When I used to work at a job-job, I remember hating my chair. It would constantly give me a back ache, and I even brought in pillows to try to support my back. Silly--why didn't I just speak up and ask for a more comfy seat? So, I will empower you, instead. If your chair is giving you back/neck/leg ache, don't suffer in silence! There are lots of ergonomic chairs on the market, which you can order from office catalogs that your company probably already uses. Also, here's a goofy-looking office chair that might help you get fit while sitting.
3. Free massages. I know, this one's really gutsy, especially in this economy. But you know how the HR department is always giving you lame stuff like pens and bags and water bottles as employee thank-yous or as part of recognition programs? Why not ask for something that could really lower your stress level--like 15 minutes of massage at your desk? I once worked at a company that paid for a weekly 15-minute massage session for each employee, and we loooooved it! No one called in sick on massage day!
Check out these 4 Ways To Make Yourself Feel Better, Other Than Eating!
4. A nap room. This one is a toughie, but if you can get enough people to support your request, it could work. Many work/productivity experts say that a 15-minute (or even a wee bit longer, too) power nap in the middle of the day could make you more productive. The idea is that snoozing for a bit is better than being in a semi-vegetative state at your desk all afternoon--and I totally buy this! (Confession: Once I was so tired at work that I actually dozed while off sitting at my desk. I woke up when I felt a tiny bit of drool on my mouth--good grief, why do I tell you guys the most embarrassing stories?!) Check out this article from CNN.com about trends in workplace-sponsored nap rooms.
5. A more flexible schedule. When I was an
office worker, I was happy to work late (and I did--a lot!), but I
was also happiest when I had some built in time off. For a few
years, I worked a flex schedule known as an "80-9" or
"9-80" schedule. The concept is that you work 9 hours a
day (I worked way more than that) and then you get every other
Friday off. Some bosses just won't be down with an arrangement
like this, but if you can swing it, you will love having some extra
you-time--and I know you'll be happier for it.
Tell me, what gutsy thing do you want to ask you boss for in the
name of health and wellness? Free gym membership? Working from
home? A bike to commute on?
Related: 10 Things He’s Thinking When He Sees You in Your Bathing Suit
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