Page 17 - Don’t worry – Be healthy

Numerous studies prove the significance of this sensory system for physical and mental vitality.
Consequently, our deep sensibility needs regular movement to pro- vide to us with physical, mental and social well-being. movement also has an impact on increased mental activity throughout team work- ing: This is why a lot of conference rooms or brainstorming areas have standing desks or allow small groups to talk while walking.
How important is the freedom of choice where to work in the office or the possibility to change posture while working?
D.B. _ Every person is different in nature.
If individual requirements, such as personal working rhythm, are not considered sufficiently in the design of the workplace, important hu- man potential is lost.
Our individual physical and mental well-being is based on complex biological and biomechanical interactions, which can be promoted by flexible workplace concepts.
We need open spaces in and out of an office (non territorial work- ing) where work tasks and spontaneous work positions are in balance. Furthermore, various options for social and collaborative interactions are required.
A variety of physiological postural changes and motions could be the positive consequences of spaces designed and equipped with appro- priate furniture, such as chairs with a three dimensional flexibility, standing solutions and relaxation areas.
Flexible working times for a better balance between work and leisure – “Work-Life-Blending” – is necessary, as well.
Innovative working spaces are often introduce informal working areas in which seating and desks seem to disregard the basic principles of ergonomics: What is your opinion about this?
D.B. _ The times in which we classified postures as dogmatically right and wrong are history. Humans beings are not designed to remain in a static posture for a long time. They are made to make a variety of postural changes and motions in an encouraging physically and socially stimulating environment.
Open workplaces and new flexible working concepts, in particular if fitted with adequate motion-promoting furniture, are, therefore, a good example of how spaces can already influence our sub consciousness, which, in turn, intuitively has effects on our bodies’ behavior. We are able to apply “intelligent” physiological self- organization, allowing them to unconsciously respond to stress signals of the body – as in the motion of a freestanding person.
Wearable devices track employee’s performance, health conditions and status of wellbeing: What are the benefits you see - if any - from the use of these devices? How do you believe they might change our working environments?
D.B. _ Modern information technology is ideal in supporting flexible workplace concepts such as open spaces or non-territorial working particular for so-called “knowledge workers”. Work where and when you want at different locations and in different postural positions - stand, sit, relax, walk- in the office, at home or elsewhere.
Mobile devices also make an important contribution in work-life- blending. In this case people can realize a more individualized and health-promoting rhythm of activity and relaxation, mental tension and recovery.
Mobile devices and their flexible use must go hand in hand with a corporate culture generally supporting processes in which employees will find an adequate environment where they feel comfortable and where they can work productively while maintaining and promoting their health.
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