Gift Guide for the Healthy Office Worker
So I’m sure you’ve heard it many times lately: sitting is the new smoking. Professionals who are desk-bound face a wide array of health challenges associated with just being sedentary. An average office worker spends 7 hours in the seated position!
Individuals that work from home often report working longer hours with fewer breaks, so those statistics may even be higher!
So what is an office worker to do?
The “Healthy Office”
Companies are finding new ways to keep their employees active, and there is no shortage of equipment and technology that is designed specifically to help increase daily activity at the office.
If you are looking for some creative gifts for the health-conscious office worker, I have outlined some of the most unique pieces of equipment and gadgets that you may want to add to your shopping list this year.
But brace yourself – some of these don’t come at a reasonable price tag!
Let’s explore some of them:
VARIDESK – Height-Adjustable Standing Desk – Pro Plus 36 – Black
The Varidesk Standing Desk: This product has been around for several years, and falls into the categories of “genius” and “versatile”. The Varidesk standing desk is a height-adjustable desk that you can raise to your unique height, or lower if you wish to sit at your desk. It is invaluable when it comes to getting you onto your feet throughout the workday! Prices start at around $175.00. The model shown sells for $395.00.
Life Span Treadmill Desk: This is something I own personally, and purchased this desk to help alleviate my back pain. I was sitting at my desk for upwards of 10+ hours a day, and I was paying for it! This desk at pricey – the desk pictured sells for $1499.99, but it paid for itself in the first year, with reduced doctor and chiropractor visits. It has been a life changer for me. If you want to hear a detailed account, check out my article here: My Year With A Treadmill Desk.
Lumo Lift: The First Wearable Posture Coach. You slouch, it vibrates! A posture corrector that’s perfect for sitting or working at computers. Comfortable & easy to use. Improve your posture today!
Lumo Lift Posture Coach: This is another device that an office worker can use – every. single. day. The posture coach device is very small, with a magnetic element that fastens itself to your shirt, sweater, jacket, etc. It syncs to an app on your phone and will alert you when you start to slouch (you create your own posture benchmark initially). When you lean forward, it will vibrate to let you know to sit or stand up straight. You can adjust the alerts to your own preferences, and frequency of reminders. This nifty item will set you back around $79.99, which makes it one of the more affordable items on the list.
Ball Chair, LuxFit Premium Fitness Exercise Ball Chairs For Home And Office 2 Year Warranty! With 2000lbs Static Strength Ball Great Office Desk Chair, and Stability Ball Chair (Green)
The LuxFit Ball Chair: This chair doesn’t completely eliminate the fact that you are seated at your desk, but the fact that you are sitting on a ball and engaging your core muscles makes it a little more acceptable. Balancing yourself does take some getting used to, so work your way up to sitting on this bad boy all day! You WILL feel the difference. The LuxFit chair is priced at $79.99.
Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker, Silver/Black, Small (US Version)
The Fitbit Alta Fitness Tracker: The Fitbit has become a household name over the last several years. If you have been living under a rock, I will give you a brief explanation: this is a wearable device that can track everything from the steps you take in a day, to calories burned, to how well you sleep (and how many hours are dedicated to each type of sleep). The Alta ranges in price from $103.00 to $149.00 on Amazon, though Fitbits themselves can cost significantly more, depending on the model.
Stand Steady Active Motion Stool: If you don’t want to spend your day standing, or sitting on a ball, there is a happy medium – the motion stool. This will force you to remain in a half-seated position, but still engage the core muscles that are necessary for stability and back health. The Stand Steady is priced at $199.99
Do you own one of these gadgets or pieces of equipment? What do you like about it? I would love to hear from you!
by Natalie Lemons
Natalie Lemons is the President of the Resilience Group, LLC, and the author of The Resilient Recruiter. Please follow her blog for more articles like this, plus helpful free downloads for recruiters, HR professionals, or business owners. Resilient Recruiter is an Amazon Associate.