CJ Eason, “The Job Doctor,” President of Community Outreach with JobFairGiant.com.
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National Sunscreen Day, celebrated on May 27th, is an important reminder of the need to protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun. While the sun's rays can be damaging, there are numerous benefits to spending time outdoors and getting natural sunshine in the workplace. For employees, incorporating outdoor breaks into the workday can lead to improved mental and physical health and increased productivity.
People are learning about multiple prevention methods in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month. Incorporating breaks and natural sunlight into the workplace has substantial advantages for both employees and employers. Scientific research shows that breaks and sunlight exposure contribute to improved mood, reduced stress, enhanced mental well-being, increased productivity, strengthened immune function, improved sleep patterns, reduced eye strain and better cognitive performance. By recognizing and implementing strategies to promote breaks and sunlight exposure, employers can create a positive work environment that prioritizes employee well-being and ultimately enhances productivity and overall success.
Importance Of Workplace Employee Well-Being And Productivity
Fact 1: Spending a minimum of 120 minutes per week in natural environments, including exposure to sunlight, has been associated with good health and well-being.
Fact 2: Regular contact with nature, including sunlight exposure, can improve mental health, reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Fact 3: The benefits of spending time in nature are not limited to specific demographic groups, meaning that people of all ages and backgrounds can experience the positive effects of natural sunlight exposure.
Promoting Sun Safety In The Workplace
Employers can also emphasize the importance of regular skin check-ups and early skin cancer detection, empowering employees to take control of their skin health. Sun safety is crucial in preventing skin damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 9,500 people in the United States are identified with skin cancer every day, making it the most common cancer in the country. Outdoor employees are encouraged to wear sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to significantly decrease the risk of skin damage caused by the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. As a reminder, all skin types and conditions regardless of ethnicity should choose a sunscreen that gives broad-spectrum defense against UVA and UVB rays.
Occupations That Benefit From Natural Sunshine Breaks
Scientific research shows that adequate levels of vitamin D, which can be acquired through natural sunlight exposure, are linked to a reduced risk of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke.
Here are five occupations that can benefit from actively promoting sunshine breaks:
• Office workers: Exposure to natural sunshine can help normalize circadian rhythms and improve sleep quality, leading to increased focus and productivity during work hours.
• Truck drivers: Exposure to natural sunshine can help truck drivers regulate sleep patterns and maintain alertness during long shifts on the road.
• Baristas: Outdoor breaks and exposure to natural sunshine can stimulate creativity and problem-solving skills, promoting innovation and improving customer service.
• Call center agents: Exposure to natural sunshine can help call center agents manage stress and maintain mental well-being in a demanding profession.
• Warehouse workers: Natural sunshine can increase energy levels and improve physical performance, helping warehouse workers maintain their stamina throughout the day.
Outdoor Workplace Team Building
Low-impact team-building workplace activities that involve natural sunshine serve several purposes based on scientific explanations. This includes increased vitamin D production, mood enhancement, stress reduction, improved cognitive function, enhanced creativity and innovation, increased social bonding and teamwork, and health and well-being benefits.
Consider These Low-Impact Team-Building Activities At Your Workplace:
• Sun salutations: If your workplace has a designated outdoor space, you can lead your team through a series of sun salutations or other gentle yoga poses. Yoga is a great way to get some exercise and relieve stress, and the natural sunlight can add an extra boost of energy.
• Outdoor role-playing games: Have team members perform improvised role-playing games in an outdoor space, such as a simulated job interview or a customer service scenario. This activity can help improve communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills.
• Outdoor brainstorming: Take the team outside for a brainstorming session, using the natural environment as inspiration. Encouraging team members to brainstorm in a relaxed and natural setting can help promote creativity and generate new ideas, which can ultimately lead to increased productivity.
• Mime exercises: Have team members pair up and perform a series of mime exercises that require them to communicate without words. This activity can help improve nonverbal communication skills, which can be especially useful in situations where language barriers exist, such as with remote or international team members.
These outdoor sunlight team-building activity ideas can help employees be more productive by promoting teamwork, communication, creativity and problem-solving skills. By engaging in these types of activities, employees can learn to work more effectively together and feel more energized and motivated to tackle challenges in the workplace.
As you enjoy the days of summer by encouraging sun safety and incorporating outdoor time into the workday, you can create a healthier and happier workplace. Have a great summer, everyone.
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