Employment health, also called occupational health, pertains to a person’s well-being and safety in the workforce. This type of health directly impacts personal life because injuries and emotional stress are difficult or impossible to leave at work. That is why it is so important to focus on your employment health this year, and make sure your total health is in check. 

10 Things to Do for Your Employment Health in 2020

1. Take Your Breaks.

You don’t really improve your workplace or your employment health by working through your breaks. Not taking breaks may actually decrease your productivity and possibly lead to burnout. So take your 15 minutes. You’ll finish your work more effectively and efficiently. 

2. Adhere to Safety Standards.

Adhering to safety standards are proven, effective ways to get the job completed in the safest way possible. Don’t become apathetic about OSHA noncompliance, even if you have coworkers that don’t take compliance seriously. Lead by example, and go home unharmed. 

3. Take Advantage of Benefits.

Fringe benefits that are unused can make you feel unequally compensated. Instead of becoming frustrated, find ways to use the benefits. You’ll end up with greater job satisfaction. 

4. Avoid Distractions.

Put your phone away and don’t check Facebook at work. If you need your phone for emergencies, use it only for emergencies. Distractions make the day seem long but also like you don’t have enough time. 

5. Personalize Your Workplace.

Many people call their workplace a home-away-from-home, but it really isn’t unless you make it one. Add some pictures or a plant to personalize your workspace. If you don’t have a dedicated desk or workstation, personalize your locker. 

6. Meditate.

You actually do have time to meditate. A one-minute breathing exercise can center you enough to get through the toughest of days. Repeating this throughout the day can elevate the effect. 

7. Get Involved.

Part of employment health comes from feeling empowered and like you belong to your organization. This cannot happen if you only do the bare minimum. Get involved in your work, and you’ll have pride in it. 

8. Eat Right.

If you want to be energetic throughout the day, you have to put good nutrition into your body. Drink your coffee, but make sure you drink your water, too. Trade in your fast food for some homemade lunches with fresh veggies. You’ll feel better at work and at home. 

9. Communicate.

So much emotional drain at work comes from a lack of communication. A person may dwell on something all day only to find out that it was a misunderstanding. Clear the air, but don’t cause drama. 

10. Don’t Gossip.

Avoid he-said, she-said. If there’s a problem, go directly to the source unless it requires the attention of a supervisor or manager. Likewise, don’t offer opinions about how other people feel or what other people did. Keep it to yourself, and refer people who question you to the true source of the answer. 

It is up to you to take care of yourself in the workplace and enhance your employment health. We all need our jobs in order to keep our livelihood, and employment health is essential in order to make that the best livelihood possible.