By Caesar Vallejos
EBC Correspondent
Office workers in the Philippines are concerned about high stress levels and gaining weight. These are their top health concerns according to the 2016 Nutrition At Work survey conducted to reveal the health and lifestyle trends of the Philippine urban workforce.
Of the 500 office workers in the survey, 84% indicated that they are concerned about gaining weight while 67% mentioned that they are concerned about high stress levels. Having less energy (65%), poor digestive health (54%) and more joint problems (53%) have been identified as the other top health issues.
Daily Activity Level
The snapshot of the office workers’ lifestyles identified that nine in 10 employees in the Philippines spend more than six hours at their desks on an average work day. 48% of the urban workforce exercise once a week of less.
Almost two-thirds say that they have no time to exercise while 29% forget to keep active. Interestingly, some said that no one else is doing exercising at work. Hence, they are not exercising as well.
More than half of the respondents revealed that they eat lunch at their desk at least twice a week.
Healthier Urban Workforce
The Nutrition at Work Survey shared tips for a healthier urban workforce.
“Organizations can make it easier for employees to pursue healthy, active lifestyles by having internal fitness facilities to encourage active living,” the survey said.
It also suggested companies to negotiate gym membership discounts for employees or organize regular group workout sessions to boost employee activity levels and overall health.
79% of the survey respondents would be encouraged to stay active if it were part of their company’s culture. Thus, the survey suggests team building activities around healthy active lifestyle themes.
Tips to Employees
To boost employee’s energy levels, healthy eating days is also encouraged that cater meals that are low in fat and high in protein and fiber.
For desk-bound working professionals, adopting a good sitting posture – sitting up tall with the back fully supported against a backrest is a simple start. Time-strapped workers can also manage weight efficiently by combining meal replacements.
Global nutrition company Herbalife, the world’s leader in meal replacement and Taipei Medical University, conducted the study in March 2016. Herbalife recently conducted its Dream Team Retreat in Panglao Island, Bohol.
