EKOBOR Health Tips

Healthy employees, healthy business, it makes sense right? Unhealthy employees will cost companies expenses in a myriad of ways, ranging from the merely unmotivated employee to the seriously ill. Meanwhile, healthy employees will add value to business and improve job performance.

Job performance will be improved by 25% if employees eat healthy and by 15% if they exercise at least 30 mins 3 times a week. Employees want to be healthy and happy at work. According to a survey of 361 companies and 3,822 employees, Virgin Pulse and Workforcemagazine found nearly 90% of employees consider health and wellness paramount; employees want to be healthy–physically and mentally. And employees are happier at a company that promotes a healthy work culture.

Companies can always avoid the financial pains by starting at the source of their pain points. By encouraging them to alternate sitting and standing every hour, to encourage movement and prevent sedentary lifestyle, a small change can make a big impact. What is a small change? Other than standing desk and ergonomic chair sit-stand workstation, companies are encouraged to incorporate wearable devices into the corporate wellness budget.

Upright Go will be your first choice for correcting your posture at office, result in just 15 mins a day which easily fix your posture by strengthening your core muscles and raising awareness. It is the winner of Health and Well-being Tech of the Year 2017 and being recommended by physiotherapists and chiropractors. It works perfectly for office use because of its slim design. Without bulky straps, you can wear it without anyone noticing, even if you need to go into a meeting, turn the device to tracking mode only via smartphone app to avoid anyone with sensitive ears from picking up on the vibrations. Its a great choice for employees who wants to have the data and details of how much time is spent slouching or to track posture correction progress. 

Business owners should always bear in mind that productive employees are the core that drives a business forward. You just need to ensure their employees are happy and engaged. Work environment is essential factor for employee benefits and well-being, office space your employees spend most of their time can have a major influence on their overall mood, engagement and productivity. Let's create an enjoyable and functional work space for your employees to be at their best! Here are some tips on how to reach your goal:

1. The right office equipment

It's not rare to hear that one of the essential aspects that influence employees' productivity is the work conditions and equipment used to complete their daily tasks. If your employees don't have the right office equipment, there's no way for them to be productive. The better the technology you provide to your employees, the more efficient they'll be. Height adjustable desk and Ergonomic office chair are one of the most popular office supplies that help improve employees' well-being and boost their productivity. Employees are generally happier and healthier when they are using standing desks. Don't think of this endeavor as an expense, but as an investment that will help improve performance for your employees and company in daily basis. 

2. Office space

Space is a crucial factor when designing a high quality office fit out. EKOBOR is ready to offer the best ergonomic active work-space environment for your company. Traditional cubicle office spaces won't improve employee productivity, they ruin employees' mood and productivity, open office space is recommended for employees to fit their individual work space and personal office equipment. Other than providing natural lighting as much as possible, reducing noise level is important too. Noise could interfere employees' concentration, soundproofing office equipment should be provided to let them cancel out any disturbances or distractions at work, so employees can focus more on their own work. EKOBOR Office Desk Screen Acoustic Panel for your Sit-Stand Workstation will be able to help lower the level of distractions to optimize employees performance.

上班族每天坐着忙，大半天離不開張凳，但近年站立辦公成為新潮流。站立有甚麼好處？踢走張凳，原來可提升生產力及創意，且多坐對健康無益，支持「企」業，今天開會齊齊企？

港人常歎工作繁忙，沒時間做運動，每天幾十分鐘跑步也怨沒時間，站立更加千萬個不願。據外國數據，如美國人平均一日坐9.3小時，英國人坐8.9小時，至於香港人相信也相差無幾，工作、吃飯、回到家看電視都是把握機會要坐。

fb設站立辦公桌 員工受落

一般上班族每天站立時間，或者只有上下班期間迫車或中午等位吃飯，有沒有想過，在辦公期間也站立是怎麼一回事？

站立辦公近年成為不少企業提倡的新工作模式，Google、Facebook（fb）等新晉企業的辦公室已有站立式辦公桌，員工一邊站立一邊工作。企不是比坐着更累嗎？但據《華爾街日報》報道，有fb員工卻受落，指以往下午3時開始便感疲倦，站着工作反而全日也變得精神。

聽來難以置信？但確實又有研究支持此說法。美國華盛頓大學上月公布一項研究，觀察站着與坐着開會者的表現，並以儀器記錄身體變化如汗水變化。

站着開會 較坐着更具創意

結果發現，站立開會的人提出更多點子，對他人的意見亦抱更開放態度，身體狀況亦顯示更熱情興奮，認為站立開會有助令腦袋更活躍、激發創意。

美國密蘇里大學之前也有研究指員工站立開會，時間平均比坐着開會縮短約三分一，會議質素卻未見降低。

採取站立辦公室的「企」業愈來愈多。2011年，有美國軟件公司進行調查，訪問全球逾6,000名科技界員工，有78%稱每日會議均採取站立方式。

英國《每日郵報》前日報道，當地有人力公司購入20多張站立式辦公桌，員工可採取站立或一邊漫步一邊工作，又要用腦又要用手，腳還不停走，但管理層指員工表現得更自信，且生產力提升了約15%。

據報道，站立辦公桌的銷路也上升，「企」業會否成為未來大趨勢？對老闆來說，可刺激員工更有創意及有助生產力，或許未嘗不可，從員工角度，改變「坐定定」習慣也有好處，因多坐其實是健康大敵。

英國《鏡報》今年4月把長時間坐的做法形容為「new smoking」，即指跟吸煙一樣有害。該報引述英國切斯特大學學者巴克利（John Buckley）指，大眾對於久坐不動的關注應要如吸煙議題般。根據澳洲昆士蘭大學的研究，每日坐在梳化上看電視1小時，會令人「折壽」約22分鐘，相較吸煙1小時的11分鐘還要多。

Stand Up 久坐不動如吸煙

英國去年出現提倡「Get Britain Standing」運動，指英國每天平均坐8.9小時太久、不健康，其網站提供計算功能，可自行計算每日坐了多久？是否坐得多的高風險人士？呼籲大家Stand Up。

每日埋首工作或已疲累不堪，若可以揀，寧坐不企或許也是自然不過，但有時埋怨背痛、頸痛等，可能也與坐姿不好又長期坐有關。都市人做運動的時間已少之又少，即使還未是「站立辦公」一分子，但偶爾也要提醒自己找機會企一企，離開座椅，找機會伸個懶腰、去倒杯水，又或把握午休時間走動一會，上班乘車若時間不長也可選擇企一會，別一味要坐。

踢走張凳，多企一會，就已經是簡單易做的健康之道。

消息來源:沈帥青

 https://topick.hket.com/article/455128/%E6%B2%88%E5%B8%A5%E9%9D%92%EF%BC%9A%E5%81%A5%E5%BA%B7%E3%80%8C%E4%BC%81%E3%80%8D%E6%A5%AD%20%E8%BE%A6%E5%85%AC%E5%AE%A4%E4%B8%8D%E8%A6%81%E5%87%B3%EF%BC%9F

Return on investment

Study by Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health shows that employees are 46% more productive when they use height adjustable desk, as employees’ well-being and health are improved. This is definitely the wisest investment for improving company overall performance, thanks to the bump in employee productivity, companies will be earning $3-7 return on investment for every $1 spend on ergonomic office furniture.

Office trend

Height adjustable desk is becoming an office trend for many years, in 2015, Denmark has passed a law making sit-stand desks a legal requirement, over 90% of office workers have sit-stand desk, if a job requires workers to sit 2 or more hours each day at a desk, it must be a sit-stand desk. Companies like Facebook and Google have provided standing desks for their employees, as part of the employee wellness program, Facebook employees started to use standing desk since 2011.

In these days, more and more companies provide standing desk as a way to improve employee well-being, health and increase productivity. In the past 5 years, number of employers offering sit-stand workstation for employees increased by over 30%.

Boost productivity and improve health

Do you know sitting inhibits blood circulation? Sitting for 12 hours a day will bring negative impact to your health. We need to alternate between sitting and standing for every 30 minutes, standing can stimulate circulation and send more oxygen and nutrients to brain, thus boost employee’s brain power for creativity. 71% employees who reduced their time of sitting by only 1 hour a day, reported improved mental focus throughout the day, they will get more focused on their work, and therefore most of them work more efficient.

Standing at work also increase employee’s overall energy level. 87% of employees using sit-stand workstation reported feeling more energetic, it keeps energy levels stable and prevent mid-afternoon slump. Other than improving their working performance, standing also bring back health to employees by reducing the risk of back pain, chronic headaches, obesity, joint pain problems brought by prolonged sitting.

A small step of replacing standard desks by height adjustable desk can bring huge return on investment for your company!

Do you know employers in Denmark could be at legal risk if they don't offer sit-stand desks for employees? In Denmark, companies have been legally required to provide employees with an option for standing desks since 2014. Non-profit organization Ukactive also offers solutions to combat sedentary work life by making fitness facilities more accessible and developing workplace wellness programs. Australia and Canada also offered proactive campaigns that prompt companies to design workplaces that encourage activity and to adopt a more health-focused culture.

More standing would benefit not only health, but also workers' energy and creativity. When companies buy office furniture for employees, price is no longer the only concern, it's an investment by having ergonomics office supplies. It is believed 10 % of productivity is increased when employees use standing desk. In the US and UK, there is a tendency to treat workplace design as a cost, not an investment, however in Denmark, it has just made it mandatory for employers to offer their staff sit-stand desks.

So is it time for all of us in Hong Kong, to start considering sit-stand desk as mandatory at work?

New Swedish start-up EKOBOR brings a whole new dynamic to health and safety in the office

Did you know that in Denmark, over 90% of office workers use a sit-stand desk? If a job requires sitting for 2 or more hours each day at a desk, it is, in fact, required by law for the employer to offer a sit-stand desk.

EKOBOR, taking the meaning of ‘ecological living’ in Swedish, is founded by Kei Chan. During her pregnancy, she was concerned about the wellbeing of her twins. Once she had experienced the sit-stand desk and the UPRIGHT posture corrector, she realized what a profound effect they had on posture and circulation.

Part of the EKPAC Group with over 100 years of history in the healthcare sector, EKOBOR shares this proud Swedish tradition in healthcare specialization. The Company strives to create an international trend of a healthier and more more efficient work environement to prevent illness before they occur.

UPRIGHT is a simple and petite device worn on the upper-back. It features training and tracking modes that connect to a mobile app on devices, allowing the prefix of personalised training programs. With an unobstructive design, it is perfect for correcting ‘screen slouch’, and has a variety of applications for sitting, standing, walking, and even driving.

Among the EKOBOR products, a definite highlight is the Herman Miller grade ergonomic products:  the Austin Sit-Stand Desk series. Made with emphasis on quality, the series features powder coating, providing a strong protective layer that makes the desks resistant to scratches, abrasion, and water. It is also completely free of harmful substances such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), HAPs (hazardous air pollutants), and heavy metals, making them a safe and durable choice for any workforce.

“EKOBOR’s desks have an appealing design and are really well built,” says Clement Chan, Managing Director – Assurance of BDO Limited. “I was sceptical at first but the sit-stand element really boosted my attention and efficiency.”

In terms of design, the Austin? series features a simple, seamless design that makes the sit-stand desk ideal for an open office. Fully customizable in surface, frame color, and wood pattern, the desks operate electronically with 3 different height configurations to suit a variety of poses.  –“Sitting is the new smoking,” says Kei Chan, Founder of EKOBOR. “We would like to help people enhance their overall productivity.  We believe that to truly live a healthier life, dieting and exercising alone is not enough. We simply sit too much!”

“The sit-stand movement is the true crux of any successful ergonomic product,” says Francis Au, Chief Financial Officer of EKPAC. “Sitting and standing every 30 minutes improves blood circulation, therebyincreasing the amount of time we stay focused. It also allows muscles to properly rest, which promotes better posture.”

Sit-stand desks are also at the forefront of promoting long-term health for future generations. Stepping into today’s digital age, children, regardless of socioeconomic status, are logging excessive sitting time either watching TV or playing video games. Sit-stand desks will help develop a healthy habit and posture that will benefit our next generation for life.

We always advocate for standing up for your health, a lot of research shows that a sedentary lifestyle or long periods sitting over time can jeopardize your health, long time sitting lifestyle can be linked to health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and premature death, even if you exercise regularly. Even if you go to gym, if you sit for 8 hours at work, you might still encounter these health issues. When you sit for a long period of time, your body stops working as effectively as it can.

Major effects of a sedentary work life

• Limb problems: Loss of muscle mass, loss of flexibility, carpal tunnel syndrome and hand/wrist tendinitis
• Posture problems: Loss of flexibility, rotator cuff disease, pulmonary disease and chronic pain in the neck, shoulder, back or hand
• Back problems: Thoracic outlet syndrome, ruptured disks and pulled or strained muscles

Prolonged periods of sitting will lead to high risk of early mortality for office workers. To reduce the risks of having health problems, healthy eating and exercise are the best antidotes for a sedentary lifestyle. Many people realized they got back pain issue when they sit for too long. So here are some practical healthy tips to improve your health.

1. Standing desks are always your best option at workplace. It’s always important to alternate between standing and sitting throughout the day, sitting or standing too much can lead to serious back pain problems over time. ½ time of standing and sitting for every hour
2. Taking the stairs between meetings or taking breaks to walk the stairs for a few minutes
3. Stretch at your desk every 30 minutes
4. Walking to work or taking the long way to the train or bus stop

Let’s stay fit at work!

Source: https://doctorsthatdo.org/standing-health

According to Hong Kong Sports Clinic, on average, 80% of the population will be affected with some form of low back pain during their life. For most, this is short term and with minor consequences, though for some, this can become chronic and seriously affect their day-to-day lives. We all don't want this to happen, prevention is always better than cure, so how to prevent low back pain? These are the guidelines for preventing acute low back pain.

Sitting:

- Sit as little as possible. Only for 10 to 15 minutes. EKOBOR always encourages people to alternate sitting and standing in every hour, half sitting and half standing is preferred. 

- Sit with back support at the curve of your back. And keep your hips and knees at a right angle, your feet should be flat on the floor. 

- When standing up from a sitting position, move to the front of the seat of your chair. Stand up by straightening your legs and avoid bending forward at your waist. 

Standing:

- The right standing posture should be stand with your head up, shoulders straight, chest forward, weight balanced evenly on both feet, and hips tucked in 

- Adjust the height of the work table to a comfortable level and avoid standing in the same position for a long time.

- When standing, try to elevate one foot by resting it on a stool or box, after several minutes, switch your foot position. 

Other useful tips:

- Try not to sleep on your stomach. Sleep on your side with your knees bent, you can also put a pillow between your knees.

- Avoid activities that require bending forward at the waist or stooping. 

The key to recover from acute low back pain is maintaining the normal curve of the spine (hollow or lordosis). Try our sit-stand workstation to prevent back pain!

Source: http://www.hongkongsportsclinic.com/mavista/cms/en/common-complaints/Lower-Back-Pain

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4290-low-back-pain-coping

Office workers not just suffer from the stress of meeting endless deadlines, abrasive coworkers or budget cuts, desk life is accelerating damage and even death to our bodies, thus our work culture must be revamped in order for many to get out alive. And employers can be life savers! Employers can preserve health and wellness of employees by designing workplace with minimal risks, like including standing desk option or free exercise class at lunchtime. Standing desk is the best option. 

Spinal problem is really common for office workers, they have no choice but to spend generous portions of the day siting at office. Our bodies are not designed for sedentary lifestyle, the average healthy person's back will take a beating from this low-energy lifestyle, leading to increased pain, stiffness and long-term problems. We all have to care more about physical well-being rather than our gadgets.

Despite many companies promoting ergonomic working conditions, countless employees continue to practice poor posture and typing at their desk. This adds additional strain to our back leading to long term damage to the lower back's ligaments, other than office hour, some people still need to sit in heavy traffic during our daily commute and sit while having lunch, these add stress to our back as well. Other than spinal problems, sitting also lead to obesity, which lead to strain on the back too. Our joints and muscles are not designed to endure extra weight. 

If you don't want all these to happen, no matter what your position in the corporate world, please take initiatives to protect your health and well-being. When it comes to the health of your back, it could quickly affect other parts of the body!

Source: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/greg-voakes/danger-of-sitting_b_4980482.html

Parents always remind us to sit up straight when we were young, kids get advice on their posture all the time, but now do we still remember to stay upright without parents' reminder? People who slouch throughout the day can be vulnerable to a wide range of health problems, including back pain, neck pain and shoulder pain. Never wait till it's too late. Upright Go is a tiny, yet smart device to remind you to stay upright, it will vibrate once you slouch your body, it's acting like your parents reminding you to sit up straight! But other than Upright Go, what else can we do to improve our posture?

1. Standing

- Keep your body even. When standing still, your weight should be evenly distributed on each foot, keep your chest out, your shoulder blades back and your stomach tuck in. Stand straight. You should be able to draw a straight line from your earlobe to the front of your anklebone, crossing the tip of your shoulder, the middle of your hip and the back of our kneecap along the way.

- Choose your shoes wise. High heels are beautiful but they can also ruin your posture, high heeled shoes can throw off your posture and strain your back. Your shoes should be flat and comfortable. 

- Move more. Don't become a statue at your seat, move around as much as possible, walk around your office, just don't let your knees lock.

- Be active. Take a dance or yoga class will be a good idea, because these kind of exercises can encourage good posture. Also, take some time to stretch and breathe deeply for a few seconds throughout the day makes you more aware of the way you're holding yourself. 

2. Sitting

- Sit straight, keep your upper back straight, your head high and your shoulders relaxed to prevent injury.

- Choose your chair with care. A firm, straight-backed chair can give your back extra support, ideal chair will also have armrests, HÅG SOFI MESH is an option. The HÅG SoFi 7500 is a mesh chair that provides you with the ventilation benefits of a breathable, transparent backrest. HÅG in Balance® technology ensures more subconscious movement. Adjustable seat height and depth, and unique fully functional lumbar support.

- You knees position should be about the same height as your hips, your feet should be flat on the ground. Cushion is useful too, tuck between your lower back and the chair can help keep your spine in line.

Source: https://consumer.healthday.com/encyclopedia/back-care-6/backache-news-53/posture-slouching-toward-back-pain-645901.html

Thousands of Hongkongers suffer some form of chronic pain, although there are fellowship programme to train medical practitioners to become pain specialists, that these initiatives are undoubtedly a flip for chronic pain sufferers who don't seem to have paid much attention to the problem.  Some patients who have already received successful treatment for whatever disease they have, the pain still afflicts them renders them immobile, severely affecting their life and their family. Chronic pain is horrible, don't wait until it's too late, why not take a simple action to prevent chronic pain?

For posture when standing, we need to make sure we have a neutral pelvic position. Stand upright, face facing forward, back straight and balance our weight evenly on both feet, always keep our head in line with our spine. For posture when sitting, a good seat for working should have good back support, arm rest and a swivel base. When sitting, we need to keep our knees and hips level and feet flat on the floor. Ideally be able to sit upright with support. 

Sometimes we might forget to upright our body, this may lead to chronic pain! Upright Go is a smart gadget reminding you to stay upright, no matter you are standing or sitting, get one now, what are you waiting for?

Source: https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health/article/1011420/cover-story-coping-chronic-pain

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172943.php