Corporate

Prioritise well-being: Health concerns in the Tech industry

Our modern lifestyle has not only created convenience and comfort like never before, but it is also the cause of physical, mental and social challenges. Working in a 24x7 environment can lead to various health concerns due to the demanding nature of the job. Here are a few top health concerns and the solutions that can be implemented to manage them effectively.

1. Sleep deprivation: Irregular shifts and on-call duties can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to sleep deprivation. The solution is to establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a sleep-friendly environment, and practice good sleep hygiene. A few small changes such as utilising blackout curtains, earplugs, or white noise machines can go a long way in improving sleep quality.
2. Eye strain and fatigue: Extended hours spent staring at screens can cause eye strain, dry eyes, and fatigue. The solution is to follow the 20-20-20 rule, that is, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjusting the monitor’s brightness and contrast, and the use of blue light filters are recommended. Regular eye exams are also beneficial.
3. Neck and back pain: Prolonged sitting and a poor ergonomic setup can lead to musculoskeletal issues. The solution is to ensure an ergonomic workstation setup, that is, use a supportive chair, and adjust the chair’s height, to position the monitor at eye level. It is a good idea to take regular breaks to stretch and walk. Also, consider using a standing desk.
4. Stress and mental health issues: High-pressure work environments and dealing with critical incidents, or tight deadlines can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. The solution is to practice stress management techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga. Take regular breaks, prioritise tasks, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Seeking support from colleagues or professional counsellors can also be beneficial.
5. Unhealthy eating habits: Irregular shifts and high stress levels may lead to poor dietary choices and irregular eating habits. The solution is to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks ahead of time, avoid excessive caffeine and sugar intake, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
6. Sedentary lifestyle: Long hours of sitting can increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues. The solution is to incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine, such as stretching exercises, short walks during breaks, or participating in fitness classes.
   Use reminders to stand up and move around every hour.
7. Isolation and lack of social interaction: Shift work and long hours may lead to social isolation and decreased social interactions. The solution is to stay connected with friends and family outside of work hours, participate in social activities, and maintain relationships with colleagues through team meetings or informal gatherings.
8. Computer vision syndrome (CVS): Prolonged use of digital screens can cause CVS symptoms such as eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. The solution is to adjust monitor settings to reduce glare and eye strain, take regular breaks to rest your eyes, and use lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness. Additionally, consider using computer glasses with blue light filtering.
9. Burnout and overwork: Continuous on-call duties, tight deadlines, and high workload can lead to burnout and exhaustion. The solution is to set clear boundaries between work and personal life, prioritise tasks, delegate responsibilities where possible, and communicate openly with supervisors about workload concerns. Take regular vacations and use leave entitlements to recharge.

By addressing these health concerns proactively and implementing effective management strategies, professionals can mitigate the negative impact of the demands of a job in the tech industry on their physical and mental well-being. Regular self-care and attention to ergonomic practices are crucial for maintaining health and productivity in a challenging 24x7 environment.

Prioritise well-being, stay healthy!