Staying Healthy in the Workplace

On June 5 to 25 virtual attendees, AMCHAM hosted the event Staying Healthy in the Workplace. This short session was an opportunity for members to learn how to avoid the detrimental effects of Office Syndrome. AMCHAM Vice President, Jeffrey Nygaard, introduced the speaker and exercise facilitator, Jonathan Godot. Jonathan is the Co-Founder and Director of Fitdao, an organization that focuses on creating a corporate wellness culture to encourage happier and healthier employees. He completed his Master’s Degree in Sport Science in France and the United Kingdom, becoming a coach for top management and CEOs to support the body and mind through physical training, nutrition, and psychological support.

Jonathan started the event with a short presentation on the consequences of remaining sedentary in the workplace. He related the lack of movement and exercise to diminished returns from the workforce. Jonathan cited a few studies on the productivity loss and its correlation to poor health. A healthier workforce tends to take less sick days, experience lower stress levels, and are typically more efficient.  He spoke on a few easy ways that employees could add more movement into their work routine. This could include taking standing coffee breaks or using the stairs more often. Jonathan also spent about fifteen minutes leading attendees through exercises that attendees could perform at their desk while engaging the entire body. These exercises could be repeated throughout the workday to lessen neck, back, and shoulder strain while sitting at a desk all day. Attendees felt comfortable to participate without breaking a sweat. Jonathan finished the session by answering a few questions.