Most people don’t think computer work is a dangerous occupation, but more information technology companies are offering employee incentive and wellness programs to combat the negative effects that a sedentary job can have on employees’ lifestyles.
Dr. Richard Luceri, in charge of healthcare services for the IT firm JM Family Enterprises, told Computerworld that many employees have high stress and often don’t take enough time for themselves. The company’s managers work together to make employee wellness a priority.
"It’s really a trickle-down phenomenon," Luceri said. "If it doesn’t come from the top to encourage the associates to stay healthy, then it’s not going to happen."
JM Family Enterprises has a 24-hour gym onsite for employees, and has cleared a section of the parking garage for pick-up basketball games during the lunch hour. Managers even have meetings with employees while walking around the track outside.
The results of the comprehensive wellness program are impressive: One employee has dropped 60 pounds and has been able to cease taking medication for high blood pressure.
The list of possible work-related injuries for employees who work on computers is extensive, including chronic head, neck and back pain, skeletal problems and cardiovascular disease.
