Creating a Healthy Work Environment

Creating a Healthy Work Environment

(Family Features) It takes a lot for office workers to balance their time effectively during the workday- juggling difficult co-workers, a stressful workload and their own sanity. According to a new survey* conducted by the makers of Hormel Compleats, more than half of Americans (51 percent) say the biggest source of stress at work is not the job itself, but their co-workers.

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An expert on the effect of having fun in the office, Scott Christopher is co-author of the new book, "The Levity Effect: Why It Pays to Lighten Up." Here Christopher offers tips on how to make the most out of the day by focusing not on the dysfunction that permeates nearly every work environment, but on the skills needed to cope.

Get Around Gossip

The majority of office workers have a hard time avoiding malicious office gossip, as most of it takes place right at their desk or a co-worker's desk (53 percent), rather than somewhere outside their workspace. While most office gossip can be light, fun and entertaining, be sure to separate yourself when the topic takes a serious turn.

To easily avoid hurtful office gossip, Christopher suggests keeping a pair of noise-reducing headphones nearby and some upbeat, positive tunes on your computer. "You won't be dragged into cruel chatter and work will be more fun when you are rocking to your favorite tunes," Christopher says.

Lunchtime Balancing Act

Nearly half (49 percent) of Americans who work in an office eat lunch at their desk at least three times a week, and 46 percent say they feel hungry again within just three hours of their midday meal. The best way to reclaim your sanity is to take a moment to yourself to enjoy a filling meal that will keep you productive all day.

Many office workers are looking for healthy meal options, and most are looking to save money by bringing lunch from home. For an average retail price of $2.69, Hormel Compleats meals - created for a healthy lifestyle - can be stored in a desk drawer and are ready in just 90 seconds. You'll be happier and more at ease if you live within your budget while still enjoying a satisfying midday meal.

Catchphrases That Drive You Crazy

Another great way to avoid stressors in your own office is to be conscious of your own behavior, like spewing overused phrases to your co-workers. The top three catchphrases that drive office workers nuts - "Think outside the box" (22 percent), "Team Player" (20 percent) and "Shoot me an email" (19 percent).

"If you're tired of these catchphrases, it's a sure bet your co-workers are too!" Christopher advises, "Make an effort to avoid these overused phrases. Surprise everyone by saying what you mean - no clichés needed."

Visit www.hormelfoods.com/compleats  for more information.